Tag Archives: Devotional

Hot on Sunday, Cold on Monday

Posted on September 5, 2013 by cchrisholland

As I’m preparing to lead small group discussions this week (using The Gospel Project material), I’m pondering a principle that helps me visualize properly relating to people. Whether it’s personal, professional, or in small group; there are some interesting applications. … Continue reading →

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What a Starbucks Mistake says about the Daily Grind

Posted on August 15, 2013 by cchrisholland

I love coffee, but I’m not a big fan of Starbucks (even though I’ve waded through crowds slurping frap-a-shakes to get a cup before). However, they have a lot of experience in the coffee biz and I’m continuing to learn … Continue reading →

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“OK, Who Trashed the Living Room?”

Posted on August 6, 2013 by cchrisholland

  “What a mess!” Those words were my first thought when I noticed the clutter scattered around the living room. No, not the space in our home with the TV, but the one that’s more personal. I mean the living space … Continue reading →

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Memo: When Spiritual Fatigue Sets In

Posted on July 16, 2013 by cchrisholland

Do you ever feel weary? Tired in your spirit? Hear these encouraging words from someone who knew spiritual fatigue…  “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose … Continue reading →

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That Feeling of Being Stuck in Your Walk

Posted on July 11, 2013 by cchrisholland

Recently, I came across a devotional (that also happens to be today’s reading) from Oswald Chamber’s “My Utmost for His Highest” and if you ever feel “stuck” in your walk with Christ, consider the following paragraph: “A saint is not … Continue reading →

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Memo: As Culture Declines, Remember Elijah

Posted on June 26, 2013 by cchrisholland

If shell-shock is starting to set it from the endless bombardment on traditional values, then a brief newsreel from 1 Kings 19 may be helpful. Elijah the Prophet was on the run. After a spectacular victory on Mt. Carmel against the … Continue reading →

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Great Stuff to Pray for your Children and Others you Love

Posted on June 5, 2013 by cchrisholland

Ever worry about your kids or someone you’ve invested in spiritually? Maybe you’ve experienced the nagging feeling of nervousness about their decision-making and choices? I have (and to be honest, will continue to wrestle with it as our kids get … Continue reading →

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3 Ways to Check Level in a Tilted World

Posted on May 29, 2013 by cchrisholland

This past weekend I worked on a fence project and as I checked the level of a trim board, I discovered a curious thing (yeah, I notice the odd stuff). After adjusting to “level”, it actually appeared to be “un-level”. … Continue reading →

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Uh, you may want to check the mirror before…

Posted on May 9, 2013 by cchrisholland

Ever wished you’d checked the mirror before going out in public? Yep, we’ve all had those moments (or witnessed someone else’s). What about checking the spiritual mirror? James 1:22-25 tells us God’s word is like a mirror. He also says … Continue reading →

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5 Things Christians can be “For”

Posted on April 30, 2013 by cchrisholland

In a culture attempting to define Christians as those “against” various issues, I’m finding it helpful to focus on what the Bible tells me to be “for”. Here’s a short list of 5: 1. The Gospel as “Good News” – … Continue reading →

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Memo: A Little Known Fact about Prayer

Posted on April 25, 2013 by cchrisholland

Prayer is an incredible gift. As followers of Christ, we have the amazing privilege of personal conversation with the King of creation. The Bible contains many truths about prayer and three of them I was recently reminded of. These two … Continue reading →

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Life is What Happens While You’re Making Plans

Posted on April 19, 2013 by cchrisholland

That quote grabbed my attention recently and I caught myself daydreaming right in front of the person who said it (not unusual for me). How true though, life really is happening…every moment…of every day.” It was one of those reminders … Continue reading →

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Memo: My Worst Enemy

Posted on April 2, 2013 by cchrisholland

There’s a guy who gets on my nerves. He comes around at the worst times, stays too long and drops negative comments. I’ve thought about punching him in the mouth, but I’m confident it wouldn’t do any good. I’ve considered … Continue reading →

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3 Quick Reminders from the Seed Parable

Posted on March 21, 2013 by cchrisholland

One of the cool things about the seed parable is that Jesus explained it. Found in Luke 8:4-15, it describes 4 different results of seed falling onto the ground. A combining of the story & explanation produces these pictures: The Hard Soil-no fruit … Continue reading →

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Women’s Liberation and Jesus’ Ministry

Posted on March 14, 2013 by cchrisholland

Bible stories are unvarnished. Heroes of the faith are presented as they really were, including their struggles. Instead of glossing over faults, we get the true picture. When considering the Gospel narratives of Jesus’ ministry, we should take note of … Continue reading →

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When Doubt Creeps In

Posted on March 7, 2013 by cchrisholland

John the Baptist was rugged, bold and popular. Imagine what the hipsters at Jerusalem U. were posting about him on FaceScroll; with the camel hair clothes and “Brood of vipers!” preaching! OK, maybe it wasn’t EXACTLY like that, but John … Continue reading →

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Just in case you ever wonder if Jesus cares…

Posted on March 1, 2013 by cchrisholland

Jesus was busy. There’s no doubt about it, the gospels show Jesus’ ministry years to be very demanding. With daily ministering and traveling, there was little down time. If we’re not careful, we can let that mental image influence our view … Continue reading →

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“Aw man, I was just about to say Amen too!”

Posted on February 15, 2013 by cchrisholland

Growing up, the good old-fashioned “Amen!” was common place in our church and others.  You can imagine the scene…strong preaching and sturdy words of affirmation working together in harmony. I guess it’s more a part of me than I realize, … Continue reading →

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Are you settling for less than God’s best?

Posted on February 12, 2013 by cchrisholland

Occasionally, it’s good to be reminded of what God has shown us (as was the case with me recently).  This story comes from the 2004 archives. That year, I was struggling with direction in my life and the life of … Continue reading →

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Dealing with Political Correctness

Posted on February 1, 2013 by cchrisholland

Bullies are a fact of life. We’ve all encountered people who use intimidation as a method for getting what they want. An easy one-size-fits-all answer would be handy (like the good ole “5 across the lip”), but unfortunately it isn’t … Continue reading →

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