I Will Rejoice in the Lord and Have Hope
I will rejoice in the Lord, though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food…
I Will Rejoice in the Lord and Hope
2MefromHim Devotionals
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. Habakkuk 3:17-19
I will rejoice in God no matter what comes my way. In the midst of COVID, quarantine, natural disasters, and lawlessness, hope fades to a faint glow, flickering in the breeze. We must search for God’s blessings each day.
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines...I will rejoice in the Lord. Habakkuk 3:17 #rejoice #hope #2020 Share on XI Will Rejoice in the Lord in Sorrow
This past weekend, I spoke with a friend whose 62-year-old husband died suddenly, three weeks ago. What impressed me most was her gratitude for the quarantine that caused them to work from home for the past four months. In busy, two-career marriage, the pandemic offered them time together they wouldn’t have had otherwise. Only she, her two sons, and the pastor were in the church for the funeral. Friends and family members watched a live stream or on YouTube. However, she expressed thanks for the support and comfort of loved ones.
Habakkuk wrote his prophecy in the time of Jeremiah and Zephaniah, prophesying about the same events, the time of the Chaldeans, and their ruin of Jerusalem. In spite of the terrible prophesies regarding the destruction of Jerusalem, Habakkuk speaks of God’s deliverance.
Here is great spiritual truth: even in the darkest night, God never leaves His people without hope.
Here is great spiritual truth: even in the darkest night, God never leaves His people without hope. #Godisgood #truth #hope Share on XI Will Rejoice Because God is My Hope
In 2020, struggle and fear dominate our news and threats loom on the horizon, but God promises better things to come. When Job believed his suffering would never end, he proclaimed his certainty of seeing God in his flesh. (Job 19:23) Paul and Silas believed when they sang songs of praise in a Philippian jail. (Acts 16:16-40) There is always something for which we can give thanks.
God doesn’t promise to answer all of our prayers. However, He promises strength and the power to endure hardship. Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, God grants His people all the power that raised Christ from the dead.
In spite of plagues, fears, unrest, and attacks, choose to give thanks and rejoice. God is still on His throne. #Jesus #fear #trust Share on X
God is Faithful
When overwhelmed by unexpected trials, remember the faithfulness of God and rejoice. Give thanks for the small things. Write down your to be remembered time and time again.
In spite of plagues, fears, unrest, and attacks, choose to give thanks and rejoice. God is still on His throne.
Give thanks for the small things. #gratitude #Godislove #Jesus Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, August 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 (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.
Do I Really Know Whom I Have Believed
I know whom I have believed. But do I really? We could spend a lifetime studying and barely touch the most minute facets of His being.
Do I Really Know Whom I Have Believed
2MefromHim Devotionals
I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. 2 Timothy 1:12
I know whom I have believed. But do I really?
I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. 2 Timothy 1:12 #faith #Jesus #trust Share on XDo I Really Know Whom I Have Believed for Salvation?
Often when we first trust Christ for our salvation, it is in either the elation of learning about His saving love or a sad realization of our own sinfulness. Both are necessary. However, we know so little of our Lord’s power that we could spend a lifetime studying and barely touch the most minute facets of His being.
To know Whom I have believed, I must recognize His sufficiency in all areas. The great I Am is first, the pre-existent God of all creation, for, “Through Him, all things were made; without Him, nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:3) And all that was made, He created ex nihilo, out of nothing.
We could spend a lifetime studying and barely touch the most minute facets of God's being. #man #God #faith Share on XDo I Really Believe His Uniqueness?
In Revelation 22:13, God says of Himself, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” The Book of Isaiah says, there was no god before Him and there will be no god after Him. (Isaiah 43:10) It is impossible for our minds to conceive, yet it is true.
We know that it is through grace by faith that we are saved. There is nothing that we are can do to gain faith. It is the free gift of God. He tolerates no boasting on that point. (Ephesians 2:8-9) We are incapable of performing acts that would gain our own salvation. As the old song says, “Oh, to grace how great a debtor, daily I’m constrained to be.” We owe our Lord and God a debt we can never repay.
We owe our Lord and God a debt we can never repay. #grace #salvation #hope Share on XDo I Really Know Whom I Have Believed from All Eternity?
When God speaks to Job out of the storm, He asks unanswerable questions:
- Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
- Who marked off its dimensions and stretched a measuring line across it?
- On what were its footings set,or who laid its cornerstone?
- Who shut up the sea behind doorswhen I fixed limits for itand set its doors and bars in place?
- Have you ever given orders to the morning,or shown the dawn its place?
- Have the gates of death been shown to you?
- What is the way to the abode of light?And where does darkness reside? Do you know the paths to their dwellings?
And on and on He goes, asking questions no man can answer that reveal the marvelous infinity of His being. Therefore, I say with the father in Mark 9, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
God asks questions no man can answer that reveal the marvelous infinity of His being. #infinity #Godislove #eternity Share on XDo I Really Know Whom I Have Believed for All Eternity?
Yet, when I contemplate such marvelous things, I realize that my understanding will always be incomplete while I live here on earth. God can guard everything I have entrusted to Him and more until that day when my faith becomes sight. And I bow on my face before Him in humility.
He is able to accomplish far more than I can ever comprehend in my finite being. To God be the glory.
God is able to accomplish far more than I can ever comprehend in my finite being. #Godisgood #man #grace Share on XGod’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. Job 37:5
© Norma Gail Holtman, July 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, 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.
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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.
