Psalm 23 – Still Waters

Posted on June 2, 2018 by cchrisholland

“He leads me beside the still waters.” – Psalm 23:2b NKJV

“All the long and complex history of earth’s religions, pagan worship, and human philosophy is bound up with this insatiable thirst for God. David, when he composed Psalm 23, knew this…‘He [the Good Shepherd] leadeth me beside the still waters.’ In other words, He alone knows where the still, quiet, deep, clean, pure water is to be found that can satisfy His sheep and keep them fit.”

– W. Phillip Keller, “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23”

“He leads me. God isn’t behind me yelling, ‘Go!’ He is ahead of me bidding, ‘Come!’”

– Max Lucado, “Traveling Light”

Is your soul “leadable” today? There is deep, satisfying refreshment to be found in Him…

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.” – Psalm 23:1-2 NKJV

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Psalm 23 – Green Pastures

Posted on June 1, 2018 by cchrisholland

“He makes me to lie down in green pastures…” – Psalm 23:2a NKJV

“[For sheep] it is significant that to be at rest there must be a definite sense of freedom from fear, tension, aggravations, and hunger. The unique aspect of the picture is that it is only the sheepman himself who can provide release from these anxieties.

– W. Phillip Keller, “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23”

“Green pastures were not the natural terrain of Judea. The hills around Bethlehem where David kept his flock were not lush and green…hence when David says, ‘He makes me lie down in green pastures,’ he is saying, ‘My Shepherd makes me lie down in his finished work.’ With his own pierced hands, Jesus created a pasture for the soul. He tore out the thorny underbrush of condemnation. He pried loose the huge boulders of sin. In their place he planted seeds of grace and dug ponds of mercy. And he invites us to rest there.”

– Max Lucado, “Traveling Light”

Is your soul genuinely at rest today? His pasture is well-prepared…

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures…” – Psalm 23:1-2a NKJV

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Psalm 23 – Satisfied

Posted on May 31, 2018 by cchrisholland

“…I shall not want.” – Psalm 23:1b NKJV

“Contentment should be the hallmark of the man or woman who has put his or her affairs in the hands of God. This especially applies in our affluent age. But the outstanding paradox is the intense fever of discontent among people who are ever speaking of security.”    – W. Phillip Keller, “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23”

“You have a God who hears, the power of love behind you, the Holy Spirit within you, and all of heaven ahead of you. If you have the Shepherd, you have grace for every sin, direction for every turn, a candle for every corner, and an anchor for every storm. You have everything you need.”       – Max Lucado, “Traveling Light”

Can you declare today that your heart is truly satisfied with God’s provisions? His care is complete…

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Psalm 23 – My Shepherd

Posted on May 30, 2018 by cchrisholland

“The Lord is my shepherd…” – Psalm 23:1a NKJV

“When David, who was a warrior, minstrel, and ambassador for God, searched for an illustration of God, he remembered his days as a shepherd. He remembered how he lavished attention on the sheep day and night…and the way he cared for them reminded him of the way God cares for us. David rejoiced to say, ‘The Lord is my shepherd,’ and in so doing he proudly implied, ‘I am his sheep.’”

– Max Lucado, “Traveling Light”

“‘The Lord is my shepherd’…implies a profound yet practical working relationship between a human being and his Maker. It links a lump of clay to divine destiny-it means a mere mortal becomes the cherished object of divine diligence.”

– W. Phillip Keller, “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23”

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Dear Family and Friends of the Fallen

Posted on May 28, 2018 by cchrisholland

Dear Family and Friends of the Fallen,

It may seem that you’re only thought of on this special day, but please know, many of us deeply appreciate the high price of liberty that yielded your private sorrow. And even though we don’t fully understand the range of emotions you’ve experienced, we humbly offer our condolences for your loss and thanks for your sacrifice.

Sincerely,

A Grateful Fellow American

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DANGER: Hard-Hitting Quote Ahead

Posted on May 24, 2018 by cchrisholland

For years, a dull heaviness has lingered in my heart regarding the direction of church-life in America. Some of those concerns have made their way into my preaching/writing in small amounts, but I’ve purposely avoided focusing on them. However, during sermon prep this week, I read a quote that articulates those thoughts exactly, and I must share it. Be warned though, it may cause you to start asking questions that have unsettling answers. Are you ready? Here it is:

“…the church is so much like the world that the world takes little notice of what we do. We imitate the world’s methods; we cater to the world’s appetites; we solicit the world’s approval; and we measure what we do according to the world’s standards. Is it any wonder that we don’t gain the world’s respect?” – Warren Wiersbe

May those of us in church-life today across America commit ourselves to be the generation that made that quote no longer true.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in Him. For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world s passing away, and the lust in it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” – John 2:15-17 NKJV

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Wisdom 24.3

Posted on May 23, 2018 by cchrisholland

“A house is built by wisdom, and it is established by understanding; by knowledge the rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.” – Proverbs 24:3 HCSB

In biblical terms, your “house” is more than a physical dwelling, it represents your family’s values and legacy. According to Jesus, a wise builder is the one who hears His sayings and does them (Matt. 7:24). That house is one anchored to solid rock; with walls able to withstand the surging tide of cultural pressure, and rooms filled with eternal treasure. What does your “house” represent today?

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Milk & Honey

Posted on May 22, 2018 by cchrisholland

The phrase “Land Flowing with Milk & Honey” is sometimes used as a metaphor to represent a “rich reward”. Originally, it was a word-picture given to the Hebrews by God to describe the Promised Land, because their future home was already well-cultivated, and full of livestock, honey-bees, fruit trees, and vineyards. However, there was an interesting event when they ate their first meal on the western side of the Jordan River; the manna ceased (Joshua 5:11-12). Of course, with the desert journey over, the manna wasn’t needed anymore, but consider the reality of it. Without manna, there would be no dependable schedule for bread ingredients each morning. They would have more variety, but would have to trust the Lord for rain, and His protection against enemies, and pestilence.

In our faith journey, there are moments when God wants to move us from manna to a more rewarding existence, but fear prevents it. The generation of Hebrews that left Egypt refused to give up the manna and safety of the desert to enter the Promised Land. They preferred to avoid the risk of defeat and eat the manna bread while longing to go back to the great food and “good ole days” of Egypt. Their children would be the ones to enter the land and the memory of the “Exodus Generation” would forever be tied to unbelief (except for Caleb and Joshua).

What is God leading you to trust Him for today? Perhaps there’s a change to make, a person to approach, a relationship to walk away from, something to admit, a conversation that needs to happen, or a “manna-crutch” needing to be let go.

Joshua was one that appreciated the manna but looked forward to God’s promise of more because he trusted the Lord. May we do the same today.

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Monday Mojo

Posted on May 21, 2018 by cchrisholland

There was a natural symphony early this morning as I sat on our back porch. At least 12 different types of birds were chirping in the woods (I lost count after 12). However, soon after sitting down, the concert was interrupted by a familiar dog barking at a nearby house. Of course, it was the irritating “yappy dog” that barks regularly, and I thought, “Isn’t this just like life. Just when you start to enjoy the harmony of sounds around you, along comes the one that makes you cringe.” I’ve actually written about the subject before and you probably have a “yappy dog” in your life too, but the reason I’m writing this post is because of what happened next.

You see, as I pondered the whole nuisance dog thing, a whip-poor-will called from the distance. It was a soft sound of reason penetrating the chaos, and a new thought came to me, “The voice of God is like that.” We sometimes get focused on the noise (even contributing to it), and all the while, the still small voice of God is calling for us to hear. Amazingly, there was still one more bird to make its presence known…a dove. Yep, believe it or not, right in the middle of the “pondering” a dove landed in our yard and this verse came to mind:

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27 NKJV

  • God’s peaceful presence is real. Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit’s coming when He made that statement. May we find serenity in Him.
  • The still small Voice still speaks. May we tune-out the “yappy dogs”, tune-in to Him, and find guidance through the chaos this week!
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In the Shadow of the Almighty

Posted on May 12, 2018 by cchrisholland

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.” – Psalm 91:1-2 NKJV

When faith is placed in the One True God, it’s more than hope, it’s a life on-deposit in the most secure location possible…the protection of the Almighty. Jesus said:

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them…My Father who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” – John 10:27-30 NKJV

  • Be encouraged today and know that you are loved by the One who is the very definition of love.
  • Be encouraged today and know that you are protected by the One who has never been defeated.
  • Be encouraged today and know that you are guided by the One who knows the future.
  • Be encouraged today and know that you are promised a future and a hope by the One who has never broken His word…ever.

“…in Him I will trust.”

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Uncomplicated

Posted on May 10, 2018 by cchrisholland

We can easily complicate the life of faith. At times, we simply don’t have answers to all the questions, and the scriptures can be complex in certain places. However, there are many verses that need no commentary or explanation. The content may be hard to apply, but it’s straight forward in nature. Consider this one:

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law? ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind’. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Matthew 22:36-39 NKJV

Simple, love God and love people; however, some might say, “But you don’t know my neighbor!” That’s the point where the excuses, rationalization, justification and deflection start. Most of us would have to admit to responding that way sometimes to the “hard stuff” that costs us. Today, may we have the resolve to apply what we already know, so that through us, He can be known to others.

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Wisdom 23.17

Posted on May 9, 2018 by cchrisholland

“Don’t let your heart envy sinners; instead always fear the LORD. For then you will have a future, and your hope will never fade.” – Proverbs 23:17-18 HCSB

There’s a variety of old sayings about “the grass looking greener on the others side” because the eye that’s constantly looking for “greener pasture” never finds satisfaction. Sin promises everything, but ultimately delivers regret.

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Authority

Posted on May 7, 2018 by cchrisholland

The root of pride is a stubborn nuisance. Even when we’re presented with clear “weed-killing” truth, pride can survive. Such was the case with the religious leaders during Jesus’ ministry. Matthew records a challenge born from a refusal to embrace the Lord’s message:

“Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?” – Matt. 21:23 NKJV

Of course, Jesus easily turned the tables on them with a question of His own, but unfortunately most of them missed the life-giving substance of His words. At times, there’s a part of us that reaches back to Adam and quietly thinks, “Who are you to tell me which tree I can eat from?” That’s the moment when the root of pride is nourished.

Today, may we not only listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice, but also let Him deal with the root that so stubbornly wants to remain.

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Acceptance

Posted on May 5, 2018 by cchrisholland

Peer-acceptance can be a powerful force. It can strongly influence decisions, and even alter the course of one’s life. During Jesus’ ministry, there were many who recognized His divine nature, but could not bring themselves to the point of identifying with Him. John paused in his gospel narrative to comment on it:

“Nevertheless, even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” – John 12:42-43 NKJV

What a haunting “nevertheless”. The ones John wrote about were so close to choosing a new life of spiritual freedom but chose familiar bondage instead. To follow Christ is to look past the ones holding the chains of bondage disguised as love and acceptance. In Christ there is ultimate love and acceptance, but it requires an embracing of Him as Lord. May our lives today reflect the One who saved us, and may we wear His name well.

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Big

Posted on May 4, 2018 by cchrisholland

Zacchaeus was a “wee-little-man” as the children’s song goes, but he had a big plan for getting ahead in life (hence the position as the hated Chief Tax Collector). Whether driven by the desire to “get even” with childhood bullies or old-fashioned greed; he had no problem working for the Romans to oversee the taxing of fellow Jews.

However, when Jesus came along, everything changed. Zacchaeus found something he didn’t even know he needed; forgiveness. And after his encounter with Christ, he wanted to give away his wealth from the overflow of a new heart. No longer was there a big need to get ahead. Instead, there was a big smile as Jesus spoke these words:

“Today, salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” – Luke 19:9-10 NKJV

What’s “big” in your life? Is it wealth? Recognition? Or the joy of God’s forgiveness? May our smiles be big today when we think of His amazing grace, and may our influence be big for the sake of His name.

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Greatness

Posted on May 3, 2018 by cchrisholland

Power is a whispering liar and always promises more than it can deliver.

For example, pursuing inner satisfaction and contentment through control never ends with genuine peace. However, the inner serenity we seek is available through Christ, but His way is one of a servant.

The original disciples struggled with reconciling the concepts of power and service. On two separate occasions Jesus stopped and specifically rebuked their notions of greatness. On one occasion, when James and John desired privileged seating in the new kingdom, they even boasted of being able to handle everything Jesus could (drink the same cup and be baptized with the same baptism). But Jesus calmly spoke of a different mindset:

“…but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:43b-45 NKJV

What’s your idea of greatness? If you’re a minister, are you content to be known as a “pastor” or do you secretly hope to be identified more as a great “communicator” or “leader”? As a believer, are you content with serving “as to the Lord” (regardless of who sees it), or do you secretly hope to be recognized by your peers “for your sacrifice”? We all struggle with it in various ways as parents, students, employees, etc. May our lives today be “but to serve”, and according to the Lord…that’s greatness.

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Workers

Posted on May 1, 2018 by cchrisholland

In ancient times, someone looking for work would be grateful for the chance to tend a vineyard. However, in Jesus’ parable of the workers (Matt. 20), the joy of getting hired in the morning was replaced by envy and anger as new hires were added. Was it because the owner came along and treated them poorly? No, it was because of what happened at pay-time. When the wages were passed out, the early morning hires got a denarius; but so did the rest. EVERYONE got the same pay regardless of the hours spent working, so suddenly the idea of “fair” crowded out the joy of getting work. And at the end of the parable, the owner says this to the ones unhappy:

“Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?” – Matthew 20:15 NKJV

The pursuit of fairness can be a minefield of disappointment, for the measure we use is often flawed. What seemed “fair” in the morning became “unfair” later in the day; and it all had to do with expectations. The first ones made a contract for a denarius, but the later ones agreed to work and trust the owner to give them “whatever was right” (v.4, 7).

Excitement with God’s provisions can get neutralized quickly if our eyes are on others instead of Him. We’re recipients of grace, not entitlement. He is good, what He chooses is right and we must trust that His motives are too.

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Return

Posted on April 30, 2018 by cchrisholland

The touch of the Master is special.

Luke records where ten lepers were crying out to Jesus for healing. In response to their requests, Jesus instructed them to go show themselves to the priests. As they went, their bodies were healed. At the moment of cleansing, only one of them returned to give thanks, to which Jesus said:

“…Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?’ And He said to him, ‘Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” – Luke 17:17-19 NKJV

As it was in the Gospels, many today benefit from God’s intervention, but only a few truly acknowledge His benevolence. The one that returned to Jesus desired to specifically show his gratitude. It isn’t to say the others weren’t happy and thankful to be healed, but only one made the extra effort to show it to the One responsible. In the end, they were all physically clean, but only one was pronounced “well”.

How’s the heart today? Is it well? Life comes at us fast, and prayers flow in the midst of the battle, but don’t forget the “return”.

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The Lord’s Day 4-29-18

Posted on April 29, 2018 by cchrisholland

“The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever.” – Psalm 37:18 NKJV

The Lord is aware…of everything. As our Father, He watches over us with a parental eye and guides with a loving purpose. How will your worship reflect that today?

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Sorrow

Posted on April 28, 2018 by cchrisholland

Jesus understands the human condition.

And it isn’t some kind of divine pity, it’s a thorough, all-encompassing, “been-there-felt-that”, loving compassion. Consider the shortest verse in the Bible:

 “Jesus wept.” – John 11:35 NKJV

The context of the verse was Lazarus’ death and a conversation with Martha and Mary. So, ponder this for a moment; if Jesus knew He would soon bring Lazarus back, why the emotion? He was about to fix everything, right? Well, the Bible doesn’t necessarily give a detailed explanation of the “why”, but consider what we do know;

  • He loved them very much (v. 11:5)
  • He knew the crushing weight of their sorrow and identified with their grief (“A Man of Sorrows…” Is. 53:3)
  • He knew Lazarus would be leaving the glory of heaven to come back to a sick and broken world
  • He knew their perception was limited (v. 11:21)

We can only imagine what He was thinking about at that moment, but one thing’s for sure; the Creator stood among the created, looked deep into their eyes, saw their broken hearts, and wept with them.

Our Shepherd loves us very much, and literally knows what it is to be human. So, Child of God, if you weep; never think you’re alone in your struggle.

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