Tag Archives: Marriage

Unclear

Posted on January 12, 2018 by cchrisholland

Have you ever faced a problem without a clear solution to pray for? Jesus’ Mom did. Her friends were out of wine at their wedding feast (which was a substantial issue considering the structured nature and social implications of such … Continue reading →

Seeking

Posted on January 11, 2018 by cchrisholland

We all have questions. Even Jesus asked questions. As a matter of fact, He asked a lot of questions, but not for need of more information. His questions were for the listeners’ benefit. In John 1, we find: “Again, the … Continue reading →

Tempted with Insecurity

Posted on January 8, 2018 by cchrisholland

Jesus again was tested in the wilderness, and Satan challenged Jesus’ scripture-based rebuttal with a passage quote of his own: Satan: “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down [from this pinnacle], for it is written ‘He shall … Continue reading →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged Bible, Bible Study, Christian, Christianity, church, Devotional, Devotions, faith, hope, Leadership, Marriage, Parenting, Pastors, Prayer, Worship | 1 Comment

Tempted with Logic

Posted on January 6, 2018 by cchrisholland

Jesus was tested in the wilderness. It was a barren place and He was physically weakened from forty days of fasting. By contrast, Adam and Eve were in a perfect place; well-fed and comfortable. In both situations, each one faced Satan’s trickery, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged Bible, Bible Study, Christian, Christian Life, Christianity, church, Devotional, Devotions, faith, hope, Leadership, Marriage, Parenting, Pastors, Prayer, Worship | 1 Comment

Clarification

Posted on January 5, 2018 by cchrisholland

When John the Baptist began preaching about the kingdom, his words were received in different ways. He preached about repentance and a lifestyle that reflected a change of direction. Specific groups of people even asked what the “fruit of repentance” … Continue reading →

Reflections

Posted on January 2, 2018 by cchrisholland

Why is there a “New Year”? Is it because we simply continue celebrating celestial events like the ancients did? For many it probably is, but there’s more to the story. Linear time was created with the rest of the universe. … Continue reading →

Detours

Posted on December 29, 2017 by cchrisholland

Have you ever been driving along when a detour sign forces you off-course? The road of life can be that way too, and you’ve probably experienced it; having a route all planned when someone walks up holding a “detour sign” … Continue reading →

Focus

Posted on December 28, 2017 by cchrisholland

Simeon’s biography in Luke’s gospel is an “espresso” passage (small serving size, but strong content). He’s described as just, devout, and waiting for the Consolation of Israel. The Holy Spirit leads him to the Temple to see Jesus. As he holds Him … Continue reading →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged Bible, Bible Study, Christian, Christianity, church, Devotional, Devotions, faith, hope, Leadership, Marriage, Parenting, Pastors, Prayer, Worship | 1 Comment

Expectations

Posted on December 26, 2017 by cchrisholland

God recognizes no boundaries but His own. When Jesus was born, the stable wasn’t an unwanted by-product of a crowded town, it was the plan. The timing wasn’t unforeseen, nor the circumstances. Jesus was born a Jew, within the confines … Continue reading →

Immanuel

Posted on December 23, 2017 by cchrisholland

For Joseph and Mary, the crude surroundings and odd circumstances of Jesus’ birth probably added to the long list of unanswered questions. What did it all mean? In the midst of the chaos, there’s a moment Luke describes of calm … Continue reading →

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Unanswered

Posted on December 21, 2017 by cchrisholland

Do your prayers ever seem unanswered? There’s a beautiful story in Luke of two people who struggled with silence…Zacharias and Elizabeth. They endured daily shame in a culture that believed no children was a sign of hidden sin. However, according … Continue reading →

Wisdom 14.12

Posted on December 20, 2017 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 →

Sustained

Posted on December 18, 2017 by cchrisholland

“Cotton candy” inspiration may be tasty, but the fluffy stuff just doesn’t last very long. Over the centuries, the people of God have faced rugged challenges and the Word of God has proven to be the only lasting source of … Continue reading →

Shamgar

Posted on December 16, 2017 by cchrisholland

Thought about Shamgar much 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 … Continue reading →

Rain

Posted on December 15, 2017 by cchrisholland

There are points on the journey when life’s “weather” turns a sunny day into a dark rainy one. Those are the exact times when the words of Psalm 9 are most applicable. Somehow, making the decision to speak them aloud reveals … Continue reading →

Moved

Posted on December 14, 2017 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 →

Wisdom 13.20

Posted on December 13, 2017 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 →

Opinions

Posted on December 12, 2017 by cchrisholland

Opinions are endless. Each day, 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 →

Joshua

Posted on December 11, 2017 by cchrisholland

In our culture that’s traded truth for tolerance, the concept of a line in the sand regarding values may be considered extreme. However, in a similar environment, Joshua (as leader of the Hebrews after Moses) made a bold statement doing … Continue reading →

Encouragement

Posted on December 8, 2017 by cchrisholland

Our souls long to know there’s more to this life than what we see. In the daily routine, there can be ups, downs, and boredom. Relationships can bring encouragement, but quite often; discouragement. The first century Christians knew the taste … Continue reading →