When Trust Overwhelms Fear -A 2MefromHim Devotional

Posted by NormaGail on Mar 17, 2020 | 2 comments

Trust overwhelms fear when faith in God drowns out the voice of doubt. A failure to believe God is in control allows the voice of fear to inundate trust with a deluge of doubt.

 

 

 

When Trust Overwhelms Fear

2MefromHim Devotionals

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 1 Timothy 1:7

Trust overwhelms fear when faith in God drowns out the voice of doubt. A failure to believe God is in control allows the voice of fear to inundate trust with a deluge of doubt.

Fear threatens everything I know is true when I allow it to control my mind and heart. I can’t think clearly, can’t sleep, can’t eat, and act irrationally.

Trust is the opposite of fear, a deep, unshakeable confidence that everything will be fine, sometimes despite all reason.

Trust overwhelms fear when faith in God drowns out the voice of doubt. #trust #faith #peace Share on X

Trust Overwhelms Fear by God’s Grace

In 2003, I left a routine physical knowing that, in all likelihood, I had cancer. There was a nodule on my thyroid gland. Two members of my family had already experienced cancer. It was my turn. But no tears came.

Thyroid cancer is one of the most curable. However, any cancer diagnosis is uncertain. A supernatural peace filled my heart and trust infiltrated my thoughts.

As I moved through doctor’s appointments, surgery, and a radioactive iodine ablation, trust carried me. It’s not that I have extraordinary faith. I worry and become afraid, sometimes to the extreme. However, I read the Bible and kept my prayer time every day. God’s goodness and grace buoyed my heart with confident trust that never wavered.

Sixteen and a half years later, I revisited the nuclear medicine department for a scan. Once again, I was overwhelmed at the memory of God’s grace through the months of having no thyroid hormone in my body and fatigue so immense I can’t even describe it. Trust overcomes fear when I lean on God’s grace because I lack strength.

Trust overcomes fear when I lean on God’s grace because I lack strength. #grace #God #coronavirus Share on X

Trust Overwhelms Fear When I Believe Who God Says He Is

Psalm 46:10 AMPC says, “Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God.” When fear threatens, I must determine to be still and think about who God says he is and what he has done in the past. Jesus calmed the storm with the words, “Peace, be still.” How can I doubt the Son of God who holds power over the waves and wind?

If I truly believe God is who he says he is, I must trust his will. When I struggle, he offers strength if I lean on him. He will never leave or forsake me. The Lord walks beside me, indwells me by his Holy Spirit, and leads me through the Bible and prayer. Choose to act from faith, not fear.

Choose to act from faith, not fear. #courage #trust #coronavirus Share on X

Trust Overwhelms Fear When We Listen to the Voice of God

The prophet Isaiah wrote, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” I must take time to sit in silence and listen for his voice.

Much lesser trials have created far greater fear. God wants me to always experience the level of confidence that I knew during my episode with cancer. When fear threatens to overcome trust, I can remember how he helped me in the past. Power to overcome fear with trust depends on my knowledge of who God is and what he says. The outcome won’t always be according to my desires but it will be in line with his character of goodness and grace.

Trust overcomes fear when I listen to the voice of God more than any other voice that vies for my attention. When I feel fear, I can still choose to act as if I trust and real trust will follow.

When I feel fear, I can still choose to act as if I trust. #trust #fear #pandemic #faith Share on X

Trust Overwhelms Fear When Faith Drowns Out the Voice of Doubt

No matter what plagues us with fear and doubt, God is still on the throne. From the beginning of time, he knew every trial I would face. God knew. God reigns. God enables me to overcome fear if I place my trust in him.

God enables me to overcome fear if I place my trust in him. #God #trust #overcomer Share on X

The Great Physician

I know the Great Physician,

He loves me tenderly.

My health and gracious healing

Are His priority.

He gave to me The Comforter,

Who always knows my need.

When all is fear and chaos,

He calms and cares for me.

I need not fear the battle,

No harm can touch my heart.

For Jesus, my Great Healer,

Will always take my part.

And if my body fails me,

He surely will be there.

My Lord will not forsake me,

For heaven awaits His heir.

While here on earth we struggle,

When others think all is lost,

I have peace and hope to offer

For Jesus paid the cost.

What peace His Presence lends me.

What hope I can impart

With others who are struggling,

I share the peacekeeper of my heart.

When Trust Overwhelms Fear -A 2MefromHim Devotional Share on X

© Norma Gail Holtman, March 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, or Amazon.

 

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Reconciliation and Healing from the Inside Out

Posted by NormaGail on Mar 10, 2020 | 4 comments

Forgiveness doesn’t necessarily bring reconciliation. When angry words and actions lead to broken relationships, trust is destroyed. Trust is not easily regained.

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation—Healing from the Inside Out

2MefromHim Devotionals

Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? Amos 3:3

Reconciliation appeared impossible. The gaping wound awakened me again. I flicked on the light and curled into my recliner, hurting, unable to sleep, and wracked with tears. A tornado of conflict and disagreement whirled through my brain, flinging splintered bits and pieces of my life and relationships through my mind. Everything I knew was changed, distorted, and destroyed. My heart was so wounded I saw no way I would ever be whole again.

Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? Amos 3:3 #reconciliation #relationships Share on X

I stared out the window into the night, watching as clouds scudded across the sky, covering the almost-full moon. The house shook in the howling wind, battered by powerful gusts, which echoed the storm in my heart. “Lord, I chose to forgive. I acted as you said, but nothing changed. Instead, much of my life appears to be based on lies. Where do I go from here?”

Forgiveness

As an illustration, hospitals isolate patients with infected wounds. Their sores are left open and cleaned frequently to rid them of contagion so healing occurs from the inside out. In the same way, forgiveness begins in the heart and eventually reaches the place where it can be offered to the offending person. However, forgiveness doesn’t necessarily bring reconciliation.

Forgiveness takes place between the person wronged and God, apart from the offender. Once I forgave, a sense of peace began to flood my life. I paid the price of forgiving those who injured me in pride, something I could well afford to pay. However, the relationships remained unreconciled because those who hurt me failed to take responsibility.

Forgiveness takes place between the person wronged and God... #forgiveness #Godislove #healing Share on X

God says reconciliation comes first

Before I chose to forgive, I was infected with bitterness. Hebrews 12:15 says: “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.” A teaching leader in Bible Study Fellowship brought in a tree root wrapped around a sprinkler pipe so tight that water could no longer flow through. Much as Cain grew to hate Abel, anger festers into bitterness, cutting off the flow of love toward the object of our resentment. Notice the last part of the verse, “and defile many.” My anger and resentment overflows to the people around me and defiles them. They choose sides, get involved, and thus become victims of the corruption, which spreads like a plague.

Bitterness defiles and spreads like a plague. #bitterness #plague #relationships Share on X

After I offered forgiveness to those who hurt me and asked forgiveness for my part in the disagreements, some of the hurt began to heal. Matthew 5:23-24 says, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”

Reconciliation requires atonement

Reconciliation requires atonement, a price paid for the offense. Angry words and actions that lead to broken relationships destroy trust. And trust is not easily regained. It requires time and evidence of change, often some type of reparation must be made.

A relationship can’t be restored if the offender refuses to seek forgiveness or acknowledge the wrong done. Speaking of Christ’s atonement for our sin, Hebrews 9:22 says, “the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” When I hurt someone there is a price to pay to regain trust and enable healing. The offender must accept responsibility, or continuing the relationship will result in more hurt. God never expects us to accept abuse.

What hurts do I need to forgive? What must I offer in order to heal a damaged relationship? Am I willing to humble myself that I might be reconciled to God and those I have injured?

When I hurt someone there is a price to pay to regain trust... #reconciliation #trust #healing Share on X

© Norma Gail Holtman, March 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, or Amazon.

 

 

 

 

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To Forgive Demands a Surrender of Pride

Posted by NormaGail on Mar 3, 2020 | 4 comments

The failure to forgive or to seek forgiveness grants the devil a foothold that destroys our hearts.

 

 

 

 

 

To Forgive Demands a Surrender of Pride

2MefromHim Devotionals

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:3

To forgive demands a surrender of pride and pain in order to reach out to others as Christ extended grace to us.

To forgive demands a surrender of pride and pain in order to reach out to others as Christ extended grace to us. #forgiveness #pride #grace Share on X

Learn to forgive

As a young Christian of seventeen, it became clear that God required me to right a severed relationship. However, following a youth conference, I knew the time for healing had come. God used the heartbreak to lead me to salvation. It was all for good.

When I shared the testimony of what God did in my life, the one who hurt me sat a few feet away. I once rejected his plea for forgiveness. It was time to surrender my pride and let go of the hurt. And it freed us both. The lesson is etched in my memory.

Examples of forgiveness

Likewise, the world has never understood the importance of Jesus’ words on the Cross when he said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” We injure others by words and actions without even trying. Proverbs 11:17 says, “Your own soul is nourished when you are kind, but you destroy yourself when you are cruel.” NLT

Joseph provides an excellent example. Sold into slavery, transported to a foreign country, and thought dead by his father, he was treated unjustly time and again. Years later, when his brothers appeared seeking aide in a time of famine, he revealed himself, telling them not to be distressed. God had a plan. When his brothers feared retaliation, he answered their pleas for mercy by saying, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…”

Called to forgive

In recent years, a painful situation created a gulf between myself and people dear to me. Once again, the lesson I learned as a teen returned. As a result, I humbled myself to seek forgiveness for words spoken in anger. Likewise, I needed to forgive the hurt I suffered. Forgiveness is a choice made on a daily, often moment by moment basis, whenever hurtful thoughts appear.

Forgiveness is a choice made on a daily, often moment by moment basis, whenever hurtful thoughts appear. #Forgiveness #choices #relationships Share on X

Humility brings reward

Quarrels never honor God. He is wounded when we offend others by our actions and words. In Ephesians 4, Paul admonishes us to “not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” However, our, loving Abba Father understands our weaknesses. If we humble ourselves, He will heal and renew. The failure to forgive or to seek forgiveness grants the devil a foothold that destroys our hearts.

Forgiveness frees the offender as well as the offended. #Forgiveness #freedom #reconciliation Share on X

Perhaps the way you can build up another today is to apologize. Maybe you need to forgive someone who doesn’t realize how they hurt you. Forgiveness frees the offender as well as the offended. Surrender your pride. Choose to forgive. It’s never easy but the reward is peace.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 #forgive #kindness #compassion Share on X

© Norma Gail Holtman, February 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. If you’re interested in connecting with her, follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.

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Choose Kindness & Compassion – A 2MefromHim Devotional

Posted by NormaGail on Feb 25, 2020 | 2 comments

To choose kindness and compassion, I must overcome uncharitable and selfish thoughts. It’s what Jesus would do.

 

 

 

 

 

Choose Kindness and Compassion

A 2MefromHim Devotional

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Always choose kindness and compassion. What we remember most about others is how they treat us. The best friend is one who goes out of their way to show love. Yet how easy it is to find an excuse to do the opposite.

Be kind and compassionate to one another... Ephesians 4:32 #kindness #relationships Share on X

Choose Kindness

Not long ago, I sat at the bedside of my dying aunt. As a former nurse, sitting beside a deathbed wasn’t uncomfortable, however, a friend’s visit cheered my heart. When she realized the imminence of death, she remained. We sang hymns, read scripture, and prayed. Sacrificing her own plans for the day, she sat with my uncle and me and remained until after my aunt’s passing. Her thoughtfulness and generosity will never be forgotten.

Likewise, there is a stark contrast between a display of kindness and those who are either neglectful or mean-spirited. Henry Drummond said, “The greatest thing a man can do for his heavenly Father is to be kind to some of his other children.”

Kindness Heals

I came across a quote recently from Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Occasionally, family members treat each other with less courtesy and kindness than they do acquaintances or even strangers.” I think this even applies to our family of fellow Christians and the greater family of mankind. Nothing should cause us to deny someone’s need when it is within our power to be kind. Even relationships broken by mistrust, lack of understanding, and hostility can begin to mend through a single act of self-sacrifice and care. It matters little if we understand completely, only that we help within our ability.

Broken relationships can begin to mend through a single act of self-sacrifice and care. #healing #relationships #hope Share on X

Lack of Compassion Hurts

In contrast, a confrontation with someone lacking kindness reminds me of the screams my husband and I heard coming from beside some railroad tracks near a sightseeing spot. We ran in that direction, only to discover a deer taken down by a pack of wild dogs. Though we chased them away, they returned. Similarly, to be treated with a lack of compassion and understanding leaves deep emotional wounds. Self-preservation makes us avoid people who hurt rather than help.

To be treated with a lack of compassion and understanding leaves deep emotional wounds. #compassion #depression #pain Share on X

The Cost of being Kind

My father is remembered for his kindness. After he died, a dear friend related how he showed up at their door one year with money to buy Christmas gifts for their boys. Their savings were stolen from his wife’s purse, and though our family wasn’t well off, my father somehow found the means to help.

As a child of God, I must overcome uncharitable and selfish thoughts in order to treat someone with kindness. It’s what Jesus would do. It dishonors Christ to ignore someone’s plea when I possess the power to help. Yes, it costs us to be kind. We pay in time, humility, and sometimes money. However, the reward is everlasting.

Who do you know that needs to be shown some kindness? Will you honor Christ and make the sacrifice necessary to help?

Treating someone with kindness costs us something but pleases Jesus. #kindness #healing #Jesus Share on X

© Norma Gail Holtman, February 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 (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. If you’re interested in connecting with her, follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.

 

 

 

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Believe that You Have Received – 2MefromHim Devotionals

Posted by NormaGail on Feb 18, 2020 | 4 comments

 

Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. Mark 11:24

 

 

 

Believe that You have Received

2MefromHim Devotionals

“Believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.”

I repeat this promise multiple times a day, as I pray. As children, it’s not uncommon to disagree with a friend, move on to a new best friend, and never regain the closeness that once existed. I changed my best friends several times for multiple reasons. However, none of those instances haunts me.

All things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. Share on X

As an adult, and a Christian, however, I’m held to a higher standard in my personal life than in childhood.

For instance, recent events have removed people from my daily life, my holiday table, those with whom I share my joys and sorrows, those I call on in times of need. As a result, pain throbs deep and unrelenting in a heart that is no longer whole.

Pain throbs deep and unrelenting in a heart that is no longer whole Share on X

Believe there is purpose in waiting

Jesus said, “All things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them.” The Holy Spirit has impressed upon my heart that there is purpose in waiting. Time spent in prayer changes my heart. To wait, patient and trusting, gives God time to work in the hearts of others.

Time spent in prayer changes my heart... Share on X

 

Belief requires faith. James says that if we lack wisdom we must pray. I have no idea how to approach this problem. But, the solving of the dilemma doesn’t rest solely with me. However, James says we must ask in faith and not doubt. Doubt makes me unstable and unsettled like the wind tosses waves of the sea against the rocks.

Believe prayer changes your heart

I am weary of the battered, brokenness of being constantly tossed against the rocks. Therefore, I began to pray daily for God to heal, to bring repentance, and reconciliation into damaged relationships. Nothing has changed, but oh, what changes I see in my shattered heart. As a result, my days are now free of the nagging doubts and uncertainties that slammed me against the rocks and left me bruised and battered. Nights are no longer haunted by questions about “what-if” and “how.” What relief to rest, assured that my prayers are being answered, unconcerned about if, how, or when.

When I pray in God’s will, I have the assurance He will answer Share on X

Believing prayer aligns my desires with those of God. Therefore, whatever I pray is in agreement with His will. When I pray in God’s will, I have the assurance He will answer.

God’s heart breaks

God’s heart breaks when relationships are broken when His children can’t get along. It’s possible to know peace in the midst of unsettled relationships. Trust His promise and believe you have received it. When you pray, believe God will answer.

God’s heart breaks when relationships are broken when His children can’t get along Share on X

Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

In conclusion, may this precious old hymn comfort your heart as it does my own:

‘Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”

Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

Public Domain

© Copyright Norma Gail Holtman, February 7, 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.

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Sins are like Scarlet Stains – 2MefromHim Devotionals

Posted by NormaGail on Feb 4, 2020 | 2 comments

 

Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Isaiah 1:18

 

 

 

Sins are like Scarlet Stains

2MefromHim Devotionals

Scarlet stains

Sins are like scarlet stains. Relationships were broken, and I needed to forgive and be forgiven. Instead of meeting with grateful hearts, I sat astounded while I learned of a deep desire to hurt me and surprise that I believed they needed forgiveness. These revelations startled and hurt. Yes, the images in this blog are ugly but sin is uglier still.

Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow... #devotional #anger #hurt Share on X

Stains require forgiveness

Multiple relationships suffered incredible harm. Through prayer, God convinced me to seek forgiveness for my own angry words. I also needed to forgive those who wounded me. I determined to pray for someone who needed to hurt others and for one who failed to recognize their wrongs. We all mess up. As Christians, we must seek forgiveness daily. Sin leaves scarlet stains.

Sin leaves scarlet stains ... #TuesdayThoughts #sin #hurt Share on X

Sometimes we just don’t get along with someone, that person who rubs us the wrong way, those we tiptoe around hoping not to offend. I’ve been blessed to have very few people I couldn’t get along with, both when I worked outside the home, and in over 21 years as a women’s Bible study leader. People will wound us, however, our loving God wants to blot out scarlet stains, heal broken relationships, and make them stronger than before.

I prayed and agonized over the growing antagonism for years. The conversations left me shaken and hurt. But God is faithful, once I sought forgiveness for my wrongs, I gained the assurance that God was pleased. Ephesians 4:31-32 admonishes us to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

We aren’t responsible for other’s actions

As I prayed about these broken and scarlet-stained bonds, I realized that my heart wasn’t the only one broken. God’s heart was broken too. Therefore, it was necessary to surrender my hurt to the Lord, and trust Him to heal in His time and way. Praying for those who hurt me heals, frees, strengthens, and gives me victory. I am only responsible for my actions, not those of others.

Praying for those who hurt me heals, frees, strengthens, and gives me victory... #prayer #enemies #healing Share on X

If I have stains, I have to act

When the Holy Spirit convicted me about my own angry words and actions, I had to swallow my pride and take the first step. I determined to act in obedience to the Lord and forgive those who wronged me. It was necessary to willingly forgive others, whether or not they saw the need. My prayers resulted in a heart willing to forgive, though it is a moment by moment choice. When I obey, God washes my sins and makes them white as snow.

I am only responsible for my actions, not those of others... #responsibility #actions #victory Share on X

© Copyright by Norma Gail Holtman, January 30, 2020

 

Norma Gail is the author of Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. The sequel, Within Golden Bands, will release in 2020. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, 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.

 

 

 

 

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Crushed but not Destroyed – 2MefromHim Devotional

Posted by NormaGail on Jan 27, 2020 | 4 comments

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8,9

 

 

 

2MefromHim Devotional

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed... 2 Corinthians 4:8.9 #MondayMeditations #overcomer #hope Share on X

Crushed

Crushed but not destroyed by a long night reflecting on recent events, I guided my car through the dense fog. Poor visibility turned vehicles to ghosts as crosswinds buffeted me on the wet pavement. I was alert to every shadowed vehicle, behind and before, aware of how fast life changes forever, as events of months past destroyed much of life as I knew it.

My back ached from a frenzy designed to distract me from a season different from any Christmas of my life. No longer filled with illusions of perfection, I enter the New Year convinced the worst is past. Shoots of new growth stir in the cocoon of my bruised and battered heart.

Not in Despair

Much as the fog lessened as I neared my destination, I felt the stir of new wings longing to flutter free of captivity. I am changed. Hints of freedom and strength signaled release from the confines of my cocoon, the mere potential of new life held captive within. Soon, new wings will allow me to soar high and free.

I felt the stir of new wings longing to flutter free of captivity. #captivity #freedom #survival Share on X

Not Destroyed

Recent trials banished remnants of childish misconceptions. What age failed to accomplish, loss and harsh reality achieved. Through it all, God carried me between His shoulders, as a father bears his weary child. Though weariness of mind and body often rendered me oblivious to His undergirding strength, Jesus bore me onward, nonetheless.

Lifelong assumptions may litter the dark and rocky path behind, but new awareness of God’s faithfulness and unyielding strength brighten the path ahead. In the words of the beautiful old hymn, “I am His and He is mine.” I begin again to know the perfect peace of a life hid in Christ, after months bound in a dark cocoon and veiled in frozen fog.

I begin again to know the perfect peace of a life hid in Christ... #Jesus #peace #life Share on X

Changed

When earthly stability foundered, God stood firm and unshakeable until I awakened to recognize whose shoulders bore my weight. With footsteps steady and sure, my Lord never loosened His hold. He carried me when all I assumed unshakeable fell away, and awakened me gently to the knowledge that I survived intact, changed, and beautiful.

I survived intact, changed, and beautiful. #renewal #JesusChrist #regeneration Share on X

Through the unexpected twists and turns of life, I stand, changed, but certain the being who emerges from this cocoon is more complete than what I was before. Though crushed, I am not destroyed.

© Copyright, Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, January 17, 2020

 

Norma Gail is the author of Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. The sequel, Within Golden Bands, will release in 2020. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, 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.

 

 

 

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Navigating Trying Times with Peace – 2MefromHim

Posted by NormaGail on Jan 21, 2020 | 2 comments

2MefromHim Devotional

Navigating Trying Times with Peace

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world, you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] John 16:33 AMP

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have (perfect) peace. John 16:33 Share on X

Trying Times

Navigating trying times with peace—perfect peace, a fruit of the Spirit, and my word for the year. How I wish I had meditated on the Amplified Version’s translation of John 16:33 throughout the last two years. How I wish I had clung to words like “perfect peace,” “courageous,” “confident,” “undaunted,” “filled with joy,” rather allowing the enemies of “fear,” and “uncertainty,” to make me a “victim.” During my absence from this blog, life took on the dark colors of strife, struggle, and constant strain.

The New Year

My goal for the New Year and the new decade is to allow the Prince of Peace to reign in my heart despite navigating complicated outward circumstances. No more will I allow myself to be made a victim of strife inflicted by the words and actions of others, by wrong thinking, and difficult trials.

My goal for the New Year and the new decade is to allow the Prince of Peace to reign in my heart despite navigating complicated outward circumstances. Share on X

God will guard my heart and mind, no matter the discord I face, and that peace is not of this world but from the Father. “Abiding victory” is mine because the Lion of Judah is my protector, my sword, and my shield.

Because God wants me to live at peace with those around me, I ended the old year forgiving and seeking forgiveness. I have no indication of the outcome, but I acted in obedience, became vulnerable, and stepped out in faith. The Lord will honor my obedience in due time because He is faithful.

People who should be close have moved to the fringes of my life. Things I once took for granted exist no more. I refuse to accept the new normal as final. But one thing I know. God was with me even when I failed to rely on Him as I should. I failed to claim the peace that is mine as a child of God, but He never left me alone.

I failed to claim the peace that is mine as a child of God, but He never left me alone. Share on X

Peace

I move into the New Year and new decade with head held high. I will overcome in trying times because my Lord knew these things would happen and how I would respond. He carried me every step of the way. And He leads me into the unknown future with the promise of peace if I keep my eyes on Him.

We live in troubled times, and our world is infected with the disease of self-centeredness and entitlement. Because everyone looks out for themselves, Christians as well as non-Christians, evil stalks us, often in the guise of fellow Christians.

Because everyone looks out for themselves...evil stalks us, often in the guise of fellow Christians. Share on X

God offers help for everyday trials, as well as earth-shaking disasters. He gives strength to walk against the tide of this troubled world. To those who are weary and heavy-laden, Jesus says to come and find rest for the soul. He offers assurance for the unknown trials ahead.

And in that, there is not only peace but hope.

God offers help for everyday trials, as well as earth-shaking disasters. Share on X

Norma Gail is the author of Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. The sequel, Within Golden Bands, will release in 2020. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, 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 41 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.

 

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