Author Archives: cchrisholland

About cchrisholland

...husband, dad, pastor, teacher, and chronic day-dreamer

The Last Words-Serve

Posted on April 6, 2020 by cchrisholland

While the cross waited, Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with His disciples and shared some final instructions before being arrested. John chapters 13-17 record the powerful, emotional words that Jesus chose to leave with them. First, He demonstrated how to … Continue reading →

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Why “Running the Race” is More Than a Sprint OR Marathon

Posted on October 23, 2019 by cchrisholland

It’s been said that the race of faith isn’t a sprint but a marathon. However, I submit that it’s neither sprint nor marathon, because in truth it’s more like an endurance race. To be clear, I mean no disrespect to … Continue reading →

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Trust for the Future

Posted on August 14, 2019 by cchrisholland

The idea of “the future” invokes many emotions, hopes, worries, dreams, and personal questions. Some try not to think about it at all, while others are captivated by its promise. To be clear, there’s a certain end result as revealed … Continue reading →

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What’s True in the Light is True in the Dark

Posted on May 24, 2019 by cchrisholland

It’s been said, “What’s true in the light is true in the dark.” and it’s a timely reminder. Not only is there a push now to accept immorality, but an increasing demand to celebrate it. Even some prominent church leaders … Continue reading →

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The Friday We Call Good

Posted on April 19, 2019 by cchrisholland

Each year, I’m reminded of a Friday in 2012 when a small group of us were in Munich, Germany visiting the grounds of the Dachau Concentration Camp. After walking through the various displays, I looked out across the main part … Continue reading →

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Is it Worth It?

Posted on February 16, 2019 by cchrisholland

Do you ever wonder if it’s worth it to do what’s right? To act right? To parent right? To do business right? To coach right? Daily routines and disappointments can undermine our resolve, but there’s a powerful verse to be … Continue reading →

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The Most Abused Word in the English Language

Posted on January 29, 2019 by cchrisholland

One of the striking traits of letters written in the 19th century is the level of thought put into them. For example, notes sent home during the American Civil War contain sentences filled with deliberate, carefully crafted terms of endearment. … Continue reading →

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What’s with the Razor Burn?

Posted on January 16, 2019 by cchrisholland

Shaving used to be a manly right-of-passage, even dangerous before “safety razors”. Now, according to Gillette’s new ad campaign, we’re supposed to contemplate the ills of masculinity while we groom. I guess in their mind, we need to trim manliness … Continue reading →

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Considering Shamgar

Posted on December 20, 2018 by cchrisholland

Thought about Shamgar lately? Probably not. He was one of the Judges of Israel like Samson and Gideon. However, he rarely makes the cut for children’s Sunday School lessons because the entire biblical narrative of his life consist of only … Continue reading →

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Wisdom 14.12

Posted on December 19, 2018 by cchrisholland

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” – Proverbs 14:12 NIV At the end of it all, our opinions about “what’s right” will be irrelevant. Polling data, legal rulings, … Continue reading →

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Not Forsaken

Posted on December 18, 2018 by cchrisholland

There are points on the journey when the “weather” of life can go from clear and sunny to dark and stormy. Those are the exact times when the words of Psalm 9 are most applicable. Somehow, making the decision to speak … Continue reading →

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Advent – Week 3 – “Joy”

Posted on December 17, 2018 by cchrisholland

During the private moments of the Last Supper, Jesus spoke many powerful words to His disciples (John ch.13-17). He challenged them, instructed them, encouraged them, and prayed for them. He also prayed for us (those who would believe by their … Continue reading →

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Spirit Led

Posted on December 15, 2018 by cchrisholland

Have you ever experienced the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit? A presence more real and lasting than manufactured excitement? In our world, there are a lot of voices speaking all manner of spiritual talk, but there is only one … Continue reading →

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Truth and Opinion

Posted on December 14, 2018 by cchrisholland

Opinions are cheap and endless. They’re printed, posted, tweeted, spoken, and advertised; but at the end of it all, these words will still be true: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands … Continue reading →

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Lines in the Sand

Posted on December 13, 2018 by cchrisholland

When a culture trades truth for compromise, the concept of drawing a moral “line in the sand” is considered extreme. However, in a similar environment, Joshua (leader of the Hebrews after Moses) made a bold statement doing exactly that. Take … Continue reading →

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Wisdom 13.20

Posted on December 12, 2018 by cchrisholland

“He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” – Proverbs 13:20 NIV Over time, peers can influence our values, hopes, and dreams. The ideas and suggestions most often discussed around us will eventually … Continue reading →

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There is No Other

Posted on December 11, 2018 by cchrisholland

In the lead up to Christmas, it’s good to pause and linger on some of words that were part of the prophetic proclamations of Isaiah. Along with the Messianic promises, God paints a vivid image of His character through the … Continue reading →

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Advent – Week 2 – “Love”

Posted on December 10, 2018 by cchrisholland

The word “love” in the Bible carries many meanings, but when associated with God’s love for us, it’s always pure, selfless, and enduring. In I John, there are many verses explaining how God loves us, how we’re to love Him, … Continue reading →

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Anchor Points of Encouragement

Posted on December 8, 2018 by cchrisholland

Our souls long to know there’s more to life than what we see. In the daily routine, there can be ups, downs, boredom and excitement. Relationships can bring encouragement, but also discouragement and the first century Christians knew the taste … Continue reading →

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Lyrics of the Soul

Posted on December 7, 2018 by cchrisholland

There’s something about music that “strikes a chord” within us. Some people are more naturally “musical”, but all of us have the capacity to “sing” within our souls. It may be the verses of an old hymn from childhood, a … Continue reading →

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