Tag Archives: Parenting

Psalm 23-Green Pastures

Posted on June 1, 2017 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 … Continue reading →

The Return of Mommy Guilt

Posted on May 16, 2017 by cchrisholland

Dear Moms, Sunday was your day. There was honor and recognition; and as it should be, we celebrated you. By now though, it’s back to the work, worry, and wishing for more time in the day before collapsing on the … Continue reading →

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Furnished

Posted on May 13, 2017 by cchrisholland

The Lord’s plans and provision for us often include people we may not know. For example, consider the moment when Jesus gave instructions about the Passover: “Go into the city, and a man will meet you…then he will show you … 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

Wisdom 23.17

Posted on May 10, 2017 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 … Continue reading →

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

In the Shadow of the Almighty

Posted on May 9, 2017 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.” – … Continue reading →

Wisdom 22.8

Posted on May 3, 2017 by cchrisholland

“Don’t move an ancient boundary marker, that your fathers set up.” – Proverbs 22:28 HCSB Changing property markers amounted to stealing, and it also showed disrespect to the previous generation. In our time, there are physical and cultural boundaries of … Continue reading →

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

Big

Posted on May 1, 2017 by cchrisholland

Zacchaeus may have been 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 compensate from being … Continue reading →

Greatness

Posted on April 29, 2017 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, Christ can deliver the inner serenity we seek, but His way is one … Continue reading →

Workers

Posted on April 28, 2017 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 … Continue reading →

Sorrow

Posted on April 25, 2017 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 backdrop of the verse was Lazarus’ … Continue reading →

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

Duty

Posted on April 24, 2017 by cchrisholland

Occasionally, there are passages that “jump” from the Bible in total contrast to “greeting-card-type-quotes”. For example, when the disciples asked Jesus to “increase their faith”, He identified the power of “mustard seed” size faith; but then spoke this sobering truth: … Continue reading →

Exalted

Posted on April 21, 2017 by cchrisholland

When it comes to a potter’s work…the clay doesn’t get a say. And it’s the same with us too. None of us had a say in the skill-set, aptitude or body we were born with; that was God’s creative hand. … Continue reading →

Before the Cross was Gold, it was Rugged

Posted on April 14, 2017 by cchrisholland

The cross is a familiar object. It’s been fashioned into jewelry, wall art, and various household trinkets, but before it was gold (or silver, etc.), it was rugged. I. It was rugged by design As a symbol – The Romans … Continue reading →

Posted in Daily Devotions | Tagged Bible, Bible Study, Christian, Christian Life, Christianity, church, Devotional, Devotions, Easter, Easter2017, faith, Good Friday, hope, Jesus, Leadership, Marriage, Parenting, Pastors, Prayer, Worship | 1 Comment

Fear

Posted on April 13, 2017 by cchrisholland

Fear can be paralyzing. It’s mentioned throughout the scriptures, with stories of people fearing each other, fearing to follow God’s instructions, fearing the presence of angels, fearing death, etc. In many passages, the words “Do not fear” are also included … Continue reading →

Peers

Posted on April 11, 2017 by cchrisholland

The pressure to conform to cultural norms is part of life. Even within faith circles, there are those who position themselves as the guardians of all things “acceptable”. Jesus spoke of such people, and one of His statements about them … Continue reading →

Asking

Posted on April 10, 2017 by cchrisholland

When praying, we must remember that God’s parental perspective is far beyond ours. As parents, we often struggle regarding “what, when and how”; but God doesn’t. He never paces the floor with worry or stays awake at night wondering, because … Continue reading →

Voices

Posted on April 7, 2017 by cchrisholland

In our “connected” world, loud voices call out everywhere; on TV, the radio, and social media feeds. In the first century, there was also a mixture of voices calling out. For a disciple, Jesus gave an illustration of how a … Continue reading →

Wisdom 21.3

Posted on April 5, 2017 by cchrisholland

“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” – Proverbs 21:3 NKJV Doing the “right thing” may be seen by many, a few, or only Him. We must remember that choosing righteousness and justice is ultimately … Continue reading →

Free

Posted on April 4, 2017 by cchrisholland

With each cultural shift, the world system promises new liberties, but delivers bondage in creative new ways. There’s only one form of true personal liberty; “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, … Continue reading →

And

Posted on April 3, 2017 by cchrisholland

The word “and” can make a lot of difference. For example, it can cause anxiety, like “The meeting is tomorrow AND the report is due”; or joy, like “Grandma’s coming AND she’s bringing a cake.” When it comes to spiritual matters, … Continue reading →

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