Tag Archives: faith

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 →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

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 →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

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 →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments