Author Archives: cchrisholland

About cchrisholland

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

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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Recognized and Commended

Posted on December 6, 2018 by cchrisholland

Medals, ribbons, and certificates are methods of being recognized for service, devotion and “going beyond the call of duty”. In the Christian life, there is also recognition, but it’s not to be based on peer acknowledgment, but on Christ’s approval. … Continue reading →

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Wisdom 13.10

Posted on December 5, 2018 by cchrisholland

“By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.” – Proverbs 13:10 NKJV Prudent decisions rarely come from knee-jerk reactions. Shallow-minded peer-pressure is always plentiful, but counsel that lines up with biblical principles is the one to … Continue reading →

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Advent – Week 1 – Hope

Posted on December 3, 2018 by cchrisholland

The familiar people we read about this time of year (Mary, Joseph, Zacharias, Elizabeth, Simeon, and Anna) were considered faithful before miraculous events unfolded. In other words, they were found righteous in a setting where Gentiles ruled Israel, a tyrant … Continue reading →

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A Genuine “I’m Sorry.”

Posted on December 1, 2018 by cchrisholland

The words “I’m sorry” can be liberating or limiting, depending on sincerity. Genuine sorrow can lead to forgiveness, whereas the attitude of “I’m sorry (that I got caught)” produces nothing good. The Bible explains it this way:  “For godly sorrow … Continue reading →

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A Perfect Work in Progress

Posted on November 30, 2018 by cchrisholland

Good days and bad days are all part of the Christian life; and even though it may not feel like it, if you’re in Christ, you’re perfect. As a matter of fact, the Bible explains it this way: “For He … Continue reading →

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Wisdom 12.25

Posted on November 28, 2018 by cchrisholland

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.” – Proverbs 12:25 HCSB An encouraging comment from a friend or a random compliment from a stranger can positively change someone’s day; and that friend … Continue reading →

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The Elements of Trust

Posted on November 27, 2018 by cchrisholland

“Confidence” and “expectation” are elements of “trust”. When it comes to people, to place trust in someone is to have confidence or expectations regarding their character. The interesting question is, “What produces the confidence or expectation?” Does it come from … Continue reading →

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Day-by-Day Renewal

Posted on November 26, 2018 by cchrisholland

How does renewal come from the Lord? Is it something received at a Sunday worship service or Bible study? It can be. However, even though gatherings can have a powerful impact, the biblical picture of God’s sustaining often looks more … Continue reading →

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An Extraordinary Find

Posted on November 24, 2018 by cchrisholland

We’ve all heard stories like “$10,000 Baseball Card Found in Old Trunk” or “Priceless Painting Bought at Yard Sale for $5.00”. It’s amazing what turns up when attentive eyes are looking. And yet, while those stories are intriguing, one of … Continue reading →

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Giving Thanks…

Posted on November 21, 2018 by cchrisholland

I love Thanksgiving. To me, it marks the official beginning of “the most wonderful time of the year”. As we gather with family and friends, Psalm 100 seems especially appropriate:  “Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! … Continue reading →

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Unchained and Free

Posted on November 20, 2018 by cchrisholland

What does freedom and liberty in Christ look like? Is it throwing off the shackles of religious legalism? Yes. Is it hope of being without condemnation at the judgement? Yes, by God’s grace that’s absolutely true! But what about day-to-day … Continue reading →

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A Deep Sense of Contentment

Posted on November 19, 2018 by cchrisholland

What does sufficiency mean for a disciple? The word “sufficient” means “needed amount”, or “wanted amount”; and in life, there are lots of needs and wants. For example, food and water are needed to live, and of course, humans are … Continue reading →

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Pleasing Aromas

Posted on November 17, 2018 by cchrisholland

Do you like the smell of cookies baking? Steaks grilling? Fresh coffee brewing? How about your wife’s perfume or husband’s aftershave? In life, there are emotions, memories, and mental images tied to aromas and fragrances. In 2 Corinthians 2:12-17 Paul … Continue reading →

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A Clear Conscience

Posted on November 16, 2018 by cchrisholland

A clear conscience is priceless. It produces a sense of serenity, but unfortunately, false accusations, innuendo and unforeseen challenges can cause us to second-guess ourselves. Paul was familiar with all the above. Regarding his conscience, certain people in the Corinthian … Continue reading →

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One Foot in Front of the Other

Posted on November 15, 2018 by cchrisholland

When the trail of life gets long, it often comes down to simply putting-one-foot-in-front-of-the-other. It’s the point where the scenery is no longer inspiring, the small talk isn’t interesting, the pack has gotten heavy and rest seems far away. In … Continue reading →

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Wisdom 11.11

Posted on November 14, 2018 by cchrisholland

“A city is built up by the blessing of the upright, but it is torn down by the mouth of the wicked.” – Proverbs 11:11 HCSB Never underestimate the power of your presence. There’s a sphere of influence that goes … Continue reading →

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Godly Order

Posted on November 13, 2018 by cchrisholland

God is a God “of order”. In many ways, we can observe creation and see that God made the universe in a way that’s understandable (laws of physics, etc.). Of course, there are many things we’ve yet to understand, but … Continue reading →

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Love is…

Posted on November 12, 2018 by cchrisholland

The word “love” is often used carelessly. In the Bible, however, the word love carries much more weight than just feelings that come and go, it involves an act of the will. It describes a “decided” love between people, love … Continue reading →

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The Lord’s Day 11-11-18

Posted on November 11, 2018 by cchrisholland

“The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.” – … Continue reading →

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