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.
For the Battle is Not Yours, but God’s
“For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” I need to hear those words. It calms my heart to know that all the raging battles of COVID, racial injustice, and politics belong to God. Rather than feeling powerless, I need to remember the source of all power.
For the Battle is Not Yours, but God’s
2MefromHim Devotionals
For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. 2 Chronicles 20:12
“For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” I need to hear those words. It calms my heart to know that all the raging battles of COVID, racial injustice, and politics belong to God. Rather than feeling powerless, I need to remember the source of all power.
For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. 2 Chronicles 20:12 #power #COVID #Godisgood Share on XFor the Battle is Real
Jehoshaphat and Judah faced a vast army of enemies, much as we face a disease and those who would put an end to America as we know it. We can learn from their response. Verse 4 of 2 Chronicles 20 tells us that people came from every town in Judah to seek the Lord.
What miracles would God do in response to a people united in their commitment to honor and worship Him—to handle problems His way? Jehoshaphat prayed to God from the temple in Jerusalem saying, “‘We will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’” He is able to rescue us from our enemies.
The people of Judah, men, women, and children, stood before the temple and called on God to save them. In the same way, we must unite to seek God’s help in winning the battles that rage in our country and our world. There is hope for revival and renewal. God offers healing and help to become a light to hearts that are filled with darkness.
What miracles would God do in response to a people united in their commitment to honor and worship Him—to handle problems His way? #victory #Godislove #hope Share on XFor the Battle is Not Ours
We live in the midst of people without hope, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. Jehoshaphat’s call to Israel is the message to every Christian. “‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.’”
Jehoshaphat exhorted Israel by fasting and bowing with his face to the ground, “‘Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld … Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.’” When the people sang and praised God, He set ambushes and defeated their enemies. God honors our faith with victory.
God honors our faith with victory. #trust #fatih #victory Share on XThe Victory is the Lord’s
In times of trouble, Christians are called to enlarge our faith and believe God for wisdom, power, and victory. He is able to rescue us.
© Norma Gail Holtman, July 12, 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.
The Ground Cries Out at the Shame of Men’s Hatred
The ground cries out at the shame of men’s hatred for their brothers. Since Cain killed Abel, men turn away from their loving Creator. When men hate, bitter roots grow around and around their souls, cutting off the flow of God’s love.
The Ground Cries Out at the Shame of Men’s Hatred
2MefromHim Devotionals
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15
The ground cries out at the shame of men’s hatred for their brothers. Since Cain killed Abel, men turn away from their loving Creator. When men hate, bitter roots grow around and around their souls, cutting off the flow of God’s love.
Like stones thrown into a sea of blood, man’s animosity and anger spiral in ever-widening circles through the centuries, drowning out all hope. Pain will curse the hearts of men as long as the sin of Cain turns brother against brother in hatred.
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15 #devotional #anger #hate Share on XGod Weeps for His World
Cain’s jealousy raged when God accepted his brother Abel’s offering but rejected his. It was not a matter of Cain’s offering being inferior but his heart attitude. He brought “some fruits” while Abel brought the best, “fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flocks.”
God warned Cain about his unbridled anger: “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:6) But Cain ignored God’s offer of hope and lured Abel into the field where he and attacked and killed him. And the blood of Abel cried out to God from the ground for justice.
Deuteronomy 29:18 says, “Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the Lord our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison.” When man’s god becomes anything other than his Creator, it poisons his soul with hate.
When man’s god becomes anything other than his Creator, it poisons his soul with hate. #Godisgood #violence #worship Share on XThe Ground Cries Out for Mercy and Justice
How applicable to our day when bitter men demand what others have, rather than working to achieve the same for themselves. Above all, God’s message to Cain was for man to deal with his anger by doing what is right in the eyes of God. Hate is conquered when men submit to God and allow His love to overcome their anger.
Who understands better than God’s own Son, Jesus, the victim of an angry mob? As His enemies nailed Him to the Cross, He offered forgiveness to all who accept His sacrifice by faith through grace.
The ground cries out for mercy and justice. And Jesus beckons, “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 11:28-29)
Respond to hate with God’s love.
Hate is conquered when men submit to God and allow His love to overcome their anger. #inspiraton #hope #Godislove Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, June 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 (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.
Finding Real Freedom in the Truth of God
Finding real freedom is impossible without the protection and control of God’s law. We celebrate independence this weekend at a time when our freedom is threatened by lawlessness.
Finding Real Freedom in the Truth of God
2MefromHim Devotionals
“By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth.” Proverbs 8:15, 16
Finding real freedom is impossible without the protection and control of God’s law. Proverbs reminds us that God, not elections, political parties, protestors, or presidents control our country. We celebrate independence this weekend at a time when our freedom is threatened by lawlessness.
However, the removal of God from government has also eradicated tolerance for differing ideas. We reap the consequences of a lax attitude toward freedoms that are envied by the entire world.
By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. Pro. 8:15, 16 #freedom #Godisgood #truth Share on XFinding Real Freedom When Anarchy Reigns
Jesus upheld human government. When the Pharisees asked Jesus if they should pay taxes to Caesar, He said, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:15-22) In Romans 13, Paul said, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” The United States has failed to give God the obedience and honor He is due. Disrespect for our elected leaders equals disrespect for God.
Freedom must be fought for and treasured. Peaceful protest is possible in the United States of America because our Constitution grants that right. In the same way, anarchy steals freedom from everyone and grants it to no one. Paul continues, “He who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
Anarchy steals freedom from everyone and grants it to no one. #devotional #freedom #FourthofJuly Share on XFinding Real Freedom Through Truth
Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” When we lack true freedom, it is due to a failure to uphold the truth of God’s word and honor Him through love for others. Jesus defined true freedom in John 8:32, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Freedom cannot be maintained without the truth of God set forth in the Bible. John Adams said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” Therefore, those who resort to violence, condone brutality, and fail to speak out against wrong will fall under God’s judgment.
This Fourth of July, consider the meaning of “one nation under God.” Set your heart right with the Author of Freedom and stand for His truth. If we fail to stand for God’s truth, all freedom will be lost.
If we fail to stand for truth, all freedom will be lost. #truth #freedom #devotional Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, June 29, 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.
Read More
Some Things Never Change, and God is One
Some things never change, and God is one of them. No matter how our world changes, God stays the same.
Some Things Never Change, and God is One
2MefromHim Devotional
But you are the same, and your years have no end. Psalm 102:27
Some things never change, and God is one of them. Our entertainment is one day politically correct and the next day not. Our vocabulary changes with the latest whims. Vacations are virtual due to a pandemic. But God is faithful. His word is applicable. No matter how our world changes, God stays the same.
But you are the same, and your years have no end. Psalm 102:27 #Godisfaithful #hope #confidence Share on XSome Things Change
For example, until a few months ago, we traveled wherever we chose, shopped in crowded stores, attended church, concerts, voted, and visited hospitals. No one gave a thought to who touched the door handle last. But with the advent of the coronavirus, the entire world changed. Time changes things.
We have become wary of words. Television shows and movies are banned. Some areas in our cities are no longer safe. We don’t know how to express our feelings to someone of another race. Time changes things.
Some Things Never Change
Our search for stability needs to take us no further than the word of God. He assures us that though the grass withers and flowers fade, His word never changes. It is firmly fixed in the heavens. He isn’t a man that he should lie or the son of man that He should change His mind. God does not change but He can change things.
The story of Lazarus, in John 11, reveals the slower pace of Jesus’ day. By the time Jesus traveled to Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. Martha protested Jesus’ request to move the stone because there would be a bad odor. But when Jesus called him forth, he rose from the dead. God can change things.
Likewise, in Acts, Chapter 9, Saul obtained letters to the synagogues in Damascus so that he could take Christians prisoner. However, after a confrontation with God, he became the most prolific teacher, preacher, and writer in the Bible. The man who called himself a Hebrew of Hebrews became the man who said, “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” God can change things.
God does not change but He can change things. #change #Godisgood #anxiety Share on XWhen We Don’t Know How to Respond
God says: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
When changes frighten us, there is a standard. God gave us His word and it will never change. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
When the entire world seems to have tilted on its axis, God remains the same.
When the entire world seems to have tilted on its axis, God remains the same. #worldevents #security #Godisgood Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, June 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 (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.
