Author Archives: cchrisholland

About cchrisholland

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

Stronger Together

Posted on November 10, 2018 by cchrisholland

In the ancient world, Hittite craftsmen made bows by layering materials that were held together by a simple, but surprisingly strong glue. The “composite” design shot arrows faster and made the bow more durable. Modern technology has made many improvements, but the composite principle discovered long … Continue reading →

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Whatever Actually Means Whatever

Posted on November 9, 2018 by cchrisholland

Details can be important. For example, one wrong calculation can cause a spaceship to miss its target by thousands of miles, and a decimal point can turn a good business deal into a disaster. As a former Pharisee, Paul was … Continue reading →

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Watch Your Step

Posted on November 8, 2018 by cchrisholland

Banana peels are slippery. Thankfully it’s not common to see one on the sidewalks, but there’s a lot of spiritual “banana peels” tossed onto a disciple’s path each day. The danger is getting too comfortable with their presence, which can lead … Continue reading →

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Wisdom 11.1

Posted on November 7, 2018 by cchrisholland

“Dishonest scales are detestable to the Lord, but an accurate weight is His delight.” – Proverbs 11:1 HCSB Decisions made while no one is looking is a true measure of someone’s integrity and a life of honesty is a worthy … Continue reading →

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Taking Inventory of the Temple

Posted on November 6, 2018 by cchrisholland

Often, the body is referenced as God’s temple when promoting better diet and exercise. It’s true that indulgence, sloth, drugs, tobacco and alcohol can be problematic, but the verse from which the phrase comes is related to sexual sin. It’s … Continue reading →

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Profitability

Posted on November 5, 2018 by cchrisholland

A profitability study can reveal surprising things about a specific market, product, or business. It can determine if a market has changed or reveal needed adjustments to products or direction. Now think about this question, “If you viewed your time … Continue reading →

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The Presence of Leaven

Posted on November 3, 2018 by cchrisholland

Yeast changes things. For example, as it works, dough rises and alcohol is released. In a Hebrew person’s life, it was symbolic of sin, and today is still removed from the home for Passover in traditional Jewish families. Paul, knowing … Continue reading →

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The Test of Time

Posted on November 2, 2018 by cchrisholland

The difference between natural and spiritual aren’t always easily discerned. In 1 Corinthians chapter 3, the true foundation of a redeemed life is described. It’s specifically built on Christ and His teachings, not a variation of them or a “Jesus-plus” … Continue reading →

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Wisdom 10.28

Posted on October 31, 2018 by cchrisholland

“The hope of the righteous will be gladness, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.” – Proverbs 10:28 NKJV A believer has many reasons to expect a better future, and hope connected to the things of God produces an … Continue reading →

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Revealed

Posted on October 30, 2018 by cchrisholland

Logic can be dangerous concerning spiritual things. Not because reason must be set aside for faith, but because it’s according to “something” or “someone”. In the case of spiritual matters, reason according to God is the only rationale worth pursuing; … Continue reading →

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The Best Kind of Leadership

Posted on October 29, 2018 by cchrisholland

It’s often said that leadership equals influence. As an apostle, Paul was commissioned to influence people. He explained his approach and process this way: “When I came to you…I did not come with brilliance of speech or wisdom. For I … Continue reading →

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Embracing the Cross

Posted on October 27, 2018 by cchrisholland

The cross is foolishness to those who don’t believe. It was true in the first century and still true today. Perhaps that’s why some preachers try to make the gospel more palatable and sophisticated for those who consider themselves above … Continue reading →

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Enriched

Posted on October 26, 2018 by cchrisholland

Ever noticed phrases like “Enriched with…” or “Fortified with…” on food products? For example, vitamins, minerals or fiber are included to provide something not naturally present. In a similar way, Christ has provided many things not naturally present in us … Continue reading →

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Wisdom 10.19

Posted on October 24, 2018 by cchrisholland

“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” – Proverbs 10:19 NIV While the attention may go to those making the most noise, disciplined words speak of maturity and Christlikeness. The growing disciple knows … Continue reading →

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Saints

Posted on October 23, 2018 by cchrisholland

The word “saint” is often used to describe a person worthy of special recognition, but in the Bible, it isn’t the summary of a life lived, it’s a position. It’s being “in Christ” and “set apart”. As Paul opened his … Continue reading →

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Letting Go

Posted on October 20, 2018 by cchrisholland

Ever struggled with letting go of a grudge? If there’s anyone in the Old Testament who could have justified a grudge, it would have been Joseph. As Jacob’s favorite son, his jealous brothers sold him to slave-traders, which led to a life … Continue reading →

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The Question of Timing

Posted on October 19, 2018 by cchrisholland

Joseph was done wrong. First he was sold into slavery, then imprisoned by a false accusation. While confined in the Egyptian prison, Joseph interpreted the dreams of two officials who were being punished by Pharaoh. When one of them got … Continue reading →

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Wisdom 10.9

Posted on October 17, 2018 by cchrisholland

“He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known.” – Proverbs 10:9 NKJV Finding sure steps on tricky terrain can be tough; but the Word sheds light on the path to reveal the … Continue reading →

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The Simple Truth

Posted on October 16, 2018 by cchrisholland

Someone taking a “literal” approach to the Christian life is often considered simple and unsophisticated. There’s even a growing number of pastors who’ve abandoned a traditional interpretation of scripture in favor of a more tolerant view of cultural standards. It … Continue reading →

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A Hopeful Heart

Posted on October 15, 2018 by cchrisholland

This world can be a hopeless place. Daily news events and the actions of people can leave a person feeling discouraged about life and the future. As believers, we hear the word hope a lot, but it can often feel … Continue reading →

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