Sweet Surrender: Learning to Trust God
Surrender becomes sweet when we recognize that God’s ways are higher and better than ours. How much time I waste in worry and concern, only to discover I was wrong.
Sweet Surrender: Learning to Trust God
A 2MefromHim Devotional
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9
Surrender becomes sweet when I recognize that God’s ways are higher and better than mine. How much time I waste in worry and concern, only to discover I was wrong. God always has a better plan.
Jesus’ Surrender vs. My Failure
Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane that if it was possible, the cup be removed from him. However, he said, “Yet not as I will, but as you will,” and then surrendered peacefully to his enemies—and to the will of God.
Many recent situations have sent me to my knees. However, my prayers are often based on personal desires. I shoulder the same burdens I should have left at the foot of the throne as I leave my quiet time. And I have no peace. Every aspect of my life is affected. Worries haunt me like ghosts.
Surrender from God’s Perspective
When Joseph’s brothers sold him into captivity, he didn’t worry and whine. He demonstrated acceptance and surrender, living to glorify God in one difficult circumstance after another. His story ends in blessing.
By the same token, one of the sadder accounts is that of Samson, who satisfied his own desires despite the call put on his life from before birth. We’ll never know what might have happened had he surrendered to God.
Elisabeth Elliot, widow of the martyred missionary, Jim Elliot, writes, “To pray, ‘thy will be done.’ I must be willing, if the answer requires it, that my will be undone.”
Charles H. Spurgeon wrote, “My situation is urgent, and I cannot see how I will ever be delivered. Yet this is not my concern, for He who made the promise will find a way to keep it. My part is simply to obey His commands, not to direct His ways. I am His servant, not His advisor. I call upon Him and He will deliver me.”
What blessings might God grant if I surrendered totally to him? #surrender #blessings #self-denial Share on XAnswering the Call to Surrender
I attempt to advise God when I pray for a situation to resolve my way. In Philippians, Paul wrote from prison, “what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” What might God might accomplish in me, through me, or in someone near me if I surrender my will to his?
When I pray “not as I will, but as you will,” my burden is lifted. The surrender is sweet. May I learn to surrender rather than advise.
The way to peace is complete surrender to the will of God. #trust #obedience #peace Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, May 4, 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.
Our Reason for Hope When the World Fears
What is the reason for our hope during the COVIC-19 pandemic? In this week after Easter, I am reminded of the lack of hope the disciples experienced following the crucifixion.
Our Reason for Hope When the World Fears
2MefromHim Devotionals
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15
What is the reason for our hope during the COVIC-19 pandemic? Right now, despair is a menacing specter for many. In this week after Easter, I think of the lack of hope the disciples experienced following the crucifixion. They hid in fear, confused, hopeless, and without direction.
Is There Reason for Hope During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Watching the news strikes fear into our hearts through uncertainty about our health and the economy. As Christians, our hope centers on the promises of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20 tells us, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him, the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.”
However, each of us knows people who are lost, fearful, and anxious about what life holds in a post-pandemic world. Jesus Christ is our hope, past, present, and future.
Our Reason for Hope in Every Circumstance
Before his death, Jesus told his followers about the helper they would receive when he was no longer with them. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth…But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 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 14:16, 26, 27)
Following the resurrection, those who saw Jesus went forth into the hostile world with fearless confidence. The same enemies surrounded them, certain they had destroyed the threat to their way of life, yet the apostles exhibited power.
Christians have a helper to strengthen them when trials come. #faithinthetimeofcoronavirus #HolySpirit #trials Share on XOur Reason for Hope to Share with the World
In spite of our altered world, we possess the same promises and helper as Jesus’ disciples. The Holy Spirit confers upon the Christian the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead.
First, we study scripture and pray, then we go to our families, friends, and neighbors filled with joy and peace because of the hope within us. Our faith doesn’t rest in human wisdom offered in news reports but in the power of God. Share that hope with someone this week.
Do you hope in human wisdom or the power of God? #wisdom #power #Quarantinelife Share on X© Copyright, Norma Gail Holtman, April 13, 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.
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.
Love Others Well – A 2MefromHim Devotional
Let’s love each other well this Valentine’s Day!
Love Others Well
2MefromHim Devotional
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
Learning to love others well
Valentine’s Day fills us with thoughts of love but not necessarily the right kind. A walk through the mall reveals that the love God speaks of is very different than what advertisements and entertainment portray. John said, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.” He should be our source of learning how to love others well.
Broken wedding vows. Broken hearts. Hurt feelings. Ruined friendships. Families destroyed. We don’t do a good job of loving.
Broken wedding vows. Broken hearts. Hurt feelings. Ruined friendships. Families destroyed. We don’t do a good job of loving. #relationships #family #marriage Share on XJesus’ commands
Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind, and the second is to love our neighbor as ourselves. However, the greatest insight comes from Paul. He uses action words such as patient and kind. Instead of being envious, boastful, or proud, we must aside personal feelings and needs and reach out to the very people who wounded us.
Learn to forgive
What if we let wrongs slide off our backs like heavy weights rather than dwelling on our differences? How would family and friends respond if instead of reacting in anger we set aside our perceived rights and forgave? Because we are forgiven, we must choose to follow His example. A failure to do so is to choose to sin against the Author of love.
In truth, the single greatest reason for failure is pride. My pride. Matthew 5:44 says, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” Does it not, therefore, stand to reason that we are to forgive those closest to us? When I pray for those who injure me, my own hurt changes to concern for the well-being of others.
Love by putting others first
Paul says love always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. Clearly, to love well, our emphasis must be on the other person, rather than ourselves. If I hold onto hurt and anger, pride, and refuse to seek forgiveness when someone believes I wronged them, I fail. Therefore, I must offer prayer instead of resentment and forgiveness rather than pride.
Who would God ask you to treat differently this Valentine’s Day?
What if we offered prayer instead of resentment and forgiveness rather than pride. What if we loved God's way? #God #love #forgiveness Share on X© Copyright by Norma Gail Holtman, February 10, 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 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.
