Giving Thanks in Times of Trial—But God
Giving thanks can be difficult when trials pile up one on another. 2020 has tested people around the world in ways no one ever imagined due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read MoreIn the Solitude, Jesus Makes Himself Known
In the solitude, Jesus makes Himself known to the deepest parts of my heart and spirit. I cannot hear Him in the crowded busyness of daily life.
2MefromHim Devotionals
In the Solitude, Jesus Makes Himself Known
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Matthew 14:23
Our world clamors with chaos, the cacophony of voices vying for our attention. Just as in Jesus’ day, He had to escape the crowds.
News confronts us from phones, computers, and television. Advertisements call our attention to millions of products designed to meet our every need. The one thing no one offers us is solitude, the calm and quiet of peaceful, uninterrupted time.
My heart pleads for solitude. For it is in the quiet that I can hear Jesus speak.
In the Solitude, Jesus Can be Heard
Jesus often took His disciples away to lonely places where He could teach them. The demands of people and responsibility distract us from the call of our Lord.
Mark 4:4 reminds us that, “When he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.” Our deepest desires to draw near to the heart of God are only answered when we set aside the time to spend with Him alone.
In a place of solitude, away from the din of the world, our Savior can be heard like nowhere else. Just as we crave one on one time with those we love, so God desires to have our attention to Himself, to have us care enough to carve out space and time to spend with Him.
Just as we crave one on one time with those we love, so God desires to have our attention to Himself... #devotional #prayer #Godislove Share on XIn the Solitude, I Find Great Reward
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:6
If we seek Him with our whole heart, we will never be disappointed. He will grant us the riches of His glorious grace, open to us the secrets of His word, and give me of Himself.
Sometimes I need to be reminded that He speaks in the silence more than in the chaos. God longs for my time and attention, and if I offer it to Him, He will bless me abundantly. His treasures are best discovered when we are alone.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
Sometimes I need to be reminded that God speaks in the silence more than in the chaos. #chaos #silence #peace Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, October 26, 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.
A Dwelling Place of Peace and Rest in Uncertain Times
I have a dwelling place of peace and rest in a world that often seems inside out and filled with uncertainty.
A Dwelling Place of Peace and Rest
A 2MefromHim Devotional
Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Psalm 90:1
I need a dwelling place of safety and peace through the troubled days of COVID and social unrest. It often seems our world has turned inside out, leaving us unprotected and filled with uncertainty.
Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Psalm 90:1 #safety #help #peace Share on XA Dwelling Place Safe from Evil
When the daily news brings only turmoil, I turn to the presence of my Savior and Lord. Prayer and God’s word fill me with hope and comfort. He does not leave me alone and without shelter. I have a place of rest.
Evil ran rampant in Noah’s day, yet God promised to save him. In Genesis 6, the Bible tells us: “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.”
When the daily news brings only turmoil, I turn to the presence of my Savior and Lord. #trouble #trials #Jesus Share on XA Dwelling Place for God’s Own
However, Noah was a righteous man, who walked faithfully with God. And when God told him to build an ark, he obeyed in everything he was commanded. God puts great store in obedience, in people who put Him first and walk according to the commands in His word. This relationship and careful obedience become my ark, my safe haven in a world gone mad. In Genesis 7, we read that Noah did everything the Lord commanded, and then he and his family, and all the animals, entered the ark, and “Then the Lord shut him in.”
When I stay close to the Lord, He becomes my place of refuge, my ark, safe though tossed on troubled seas. This doesn’t mean I will never experience hard times. However, I have the comfort that nothing can touch me without the express permission of God Himself.
The Lord is my place of refuge, my ark, safe though tossed on troubled seas. #trouble #refuge #peace Share on XWhere to Find a Place of Shelter
Jesus calls those who dwell in His word are His disciples.1 John 4:15 tells us, “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” The thought of dwelling and abiding with the God of the universe wraps me in a warm blanket of peace and calm. Like the old hymn by George Robinson reminds me:
His forever, only His;
Who the Lord and me shall part?
Ah, with what a rest of bliss
Christ can fill the loving heart!
Heav’n and earth may fade and flee,
Firstborn light in gloom decline,
But while God and I shall be,
I am His, and He is mine;
But while God and I shall be,
I am His, and He is mine.
God made it possible to find peace in a troubled world by sending His Son, Jesus, to dwell on earth. Revelation 3:20 says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” What a perfect picture of a God who longs to be known and to know me intimately!
God made it possible to find peace in a troubled world... #peace #safety #hope Share on XA Dwelling Place of Eternal Safety
In a world filled with disease, riots, fires, and hurricanes, I have a haven of safety for now and all eternity. Jesus, my friend, stands with outstretched arms, saying, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28)
I have a haven of safety for now and all eternity. #eternity #protection #rest Share on XWill you come?
“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36
© Norma Gail Holtman, September 21, 2020
I Am His and He is Mine by George Robinson, Public Domain
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.
Finding Shelter and Rest in Troubled Times
Finding shelter and rest is a delightful concept in the insanity of 2020. The latest news offers little hope for change in the near future.
Finding Shelter and Rest in Troubled Times
A 2MefromHim Devotional
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1
Finding shelter and rest is a delightful concept in the insanity of 2020. The latest news offers little hope for change in the near future. We remain threatened by a pandemic and buffeted by violent attacks on our society. Quarantine holds us captive in our homes and destroys our economy, wildfires threaten much of the West.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 #shelter #rest #help Share on XFinding Shelter and Rest When You Feel Uncertain
In Psalm 91, God is portrayed as a shelter, refuge, fortress, shield and rampart for those who dwell in Him. He banishes fear from terror, pestilence, and plagues. However, these things are promised to those who dwell in the Most High. In other words, God reserves His choicest blessings for His children.
For example, when my husband was a child, he and his family toured a large cave. Afraid in the black, unfamiliar place, he grabbed his mother’s skirt and walked through the cave holding on tight. However, when they reached the outlet of the cave, he discovered he held onto the skirt of a stranger. His calm and sense of protection evaporated. He didn’t have a relationship with the woman. Therefore, the stranger couldn’t offer the comfort of his own mother. God desires an intimate relationship with His children.
God desires an intimate relationship with His children. #Godislove #relationships #hope Share on XConditions for Receiving God’s Help
Those who desire protection from God are to love Him, acknowledge His name, and call on Him. It’s easy to say we believe. Most people call on God or use His name when frightened or grieved. The question is, do we dwell with God as a child dwells with and depends on a parent?
We prove the depth of our relationship with God by how we live. Those who desire to receive from Him must stay in close relationship to Him and keep His commandments. In the New Testament, John 15 tells the believer to “abide” or “remain” in Christ, the true vine, and God is the gardener. Don’t expect blessings if you don’t love and obey God.
The question is, do we dwell with God as a child dwells with and depends on a parent? #Jesus #help #rescue Share on XFinding Shelter and Rest Requires Relationship
Likewise, in Matthew 7:9-12 Jesus offers an illustration of the close relationship between God and His children: “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
Though the world is a strange and often unfamiliar place in these days of COVID and social unrest, God offers peace, protection, and unfailing rest to those who live in an intimate relationship with Him.
What will you choose?
God offers peace, protection, and unfailing rest to those who live in an intimate relationship with Him. #peace #protection #rest Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, August 22, 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.
Childlike Hearts Speak Truth: Love One Another
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 wisdom rings true in a world torn with racism, prejudice, and juxtaposed ideologies. #wisdom #truth #Godislove Share on XChildlike 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?
We are to walk humbly as Christ did, treating all we meet with justice, mercy, and love. #justice #mercy #love Share on X© 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.
