My God – A 2MefromHim Devotional
My God. What a privilege to know that he is mine and I am his through every circumstance of life. I’m reposting this blog from 2018 while I take a short break to visit with my daughter. Enjoy!
Read MoreFinding a Sense of Peace in Unsettled Times
A sense of peace is hard to come by in these strange days we’re living. Life has a surreal quality and I’m not alone in wondering if things will ever be close to normal again.
Finding a Sense of Peace in Unsettled Times
A 2MefromHim Devotional
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
A sense of peace is hard to come by in these strange days we’re living. Life has a surreal quality and I’m not alone in wondering if things will ever be close to normal again.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 #peace #Jesus #fear Share on XWhen I Lack a Sense of Peace
Unsettled thoughts interrupt my prayer time. Matters that were priorities before the quarantine seem amplified by new concerns. I sometimes feel close to tears. We’re separated by social distancing, confused over health guidelines, and our country seems more divided than ever. My heart cries, “Peace, peace, when there is no peace.” Often, I wonder what God is doing through the COVID-19 crisis, earthquakes, fires, and unrest.
Often, I wonder what God is doing through the COVID-19 crisis, earthquakes, fires, and unrest. #COVID19 #fear #God Share on XA Sense of Peace Demonstrated
As I contemplate the mountain views spreading out from my window, it’s obvious that nature isn’t disturbed. The birds sing without care. The trees turn greener by the day. Nothing in the natural world has changed. I’m reminded of Matthew 6, where Jesus reminds us that the birds neither sow or reap, the flowers of the field don’t labor or spin because they know their heavenly Father will take care of all their needs. (Matthew 6:19-24)
I’m not to worry about how our economy or health will survive the pandemic. My hope isn’t in health or government officials. Hope comes from God, the loving Father who knows everything I need. Worry won’t add a moment to my life but it might subtract a few. Stress over relationships, money, or future plans can only bring me harm. My heavenly Father knows what is coming. He sees the future as clearly as he sees today and has seen the past. God’s knowledge of my needs at every moment of my life is perfect. His plans to provide are already in place. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
Regaining a Sense of Peace
When Jesus spoke to his disciples before the crucifixion, he knew the dangers they faced, the uncertainty and persecution that would come. He knew their faith would be tested and their hearts confused. They would be afraid and he would no longer be with them in physical form to comfort them. Yet he promised to leave them with peace nothing like they had ever known—a peace that could overcome anything the world brought against them.
The early Christians faced a world every bit as uncertain as our own. Death threatened them because they believed. Yet John wrote, “This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:4-5)
My task is to remain in the peace of God. When I feel upset, my thoughts must turn to his promises. My certainty rests in Christ alone. My sense of peace resides in the Prince of Peace who lives within me. I will overcome.
My sense of peace resides in the Prince of Peace who lives within me. I will overcome. #trials #pandemic #Jesus Share on X© Copyright Norma Gail Holtman, May 14, 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.
God’s Unique Plan: A Mother’s Day Retrospect
God’s unique plan for each life is what I celebrate on Mother’s Day. Two special women hold my eternal gratitude …
God’s Unique Plan: A Mother’s Day Retrospect
A 2MefromHim Devotional
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” Isaiah 49:15, 16
God’s Unique Plan for Each Life
God’s unique plan for each life is what I celebrate on Mother’s Day. Though the observance comes once a year, two special women hold my eternal gratitude—the birthmothers of my adopted children. Without them, my life would be much poorer. I honor them throughout the year.
I honor my children's birth mothers throughout the year for the gift they gave... #MothersDay #birthmothers #adoption Share on XAs an adoptive mother, I participate in an eternal and loving plan of God. I witness the miracle of my children’s unique genetic makeup influenced by non-biological parents chosen by the Father. With no blood between us, we are family.
God has a Unique Plan for Each Person
Our world no longer cares if unmarried women raise their children. Unfortunately, the idea of adoption isn’t always greeted in a positive way. Radical movements have convinced women it’s kinder to kill a child than offer a life with two loving parents. However, our Creator values each unique life he designs.
Adoption is so special to God that he uses it to describe his relationship with believers... #Godislove #adoption #salvation Share on XThe recent outcry against abortion accompanies technology which reveals babies moving, stretching, and sucking their thumbs. Psalm 139 says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” The psalmist goes on to speak of God’s handiwork as he forms a child and plans each life from the moment of conception.
Psalm 139:16 reveals God’s unique plan for each life. “…All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” What comfort to know that despite the circumstances of someone’s birth, no one is an accident to God. No one was unplanned. From eternity, God created each person for his purpose.
From eternity, God created each person for his purpose... #God #prolife #purpose Share on XGod’s Unique Plan Includes Adoption
God likens his relationship with believers to that of an adopted child, “the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” (Romans 8:15) Paul uses adoption multiple times to explain the intimate relationship of the Christian to the Almighty God.
Mother’s Day lives in my heart as a memorial to the courageous and unselfish choice of two young women. My children are a unique creation of God, who granted them two loving mothers. Adoption is a reminder that we should cherish each and every life. To be a mother is a privilege to never take for granted.
Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Isaiah 49:15 #children #blessing #love Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, May 9, 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.
Losing My Way – A 2MefromHim Devotional
Losing my way is something I dread, however, God has provided the answers to navigating life as safely as possible and dealing with the problems that come through His word. I’d love to hear about the times God’s word redirected you!
Read MoreFirst Do No Harm – A 2MefromHim Devotional
“First do no harm”, a familiar phrase to all medical personnel, but one that applies to Christians as well. We have the key to protection from eternal death, but it takes courage to offer it. We may face ridicule and danger, but standing up for God and right always leads to blessing.
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