Posts from 2021 (Page 25)
Daily Devotions
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.” vs. 4 Acts 4:32-35 There are some folks who have a hard time figuring out what to do with passages like this in scripture. The rejection of private ownership in favor of holding all things in common seems somehow wrong to our ears. At the very least it sounds…
An Easter Message
Rev. Steve Holm, retired pastor and Spirit in the Desert daily devotions writer, shares the good news of Christ’s resurrection in a scripture-based Easter message for a pandemic-weary world.
Daily Devotions
For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures,” vss. 3-4 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Toward the end of his letter to the Corinthians, after having touched on any number of topics that were causing dissension in the congregation, Paul takes time to review…
Daily Devotions
But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.” vs. 5 Isaiah 52:13-53:12 When the prophet wrote these words about the Servant, he likely had in mind the nation of Israel, and the horrible suffering that had been endured by his people. They’re powerful words, and likely helped his readers come to terms with the punishment their ancestors had endured–perhaps there had…
Daily Devotions
The Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’” vss. 23b-24 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Paul’s account of the Last Supper was written before those found in the gospels and shows that followers of Jesus practiced Holy Communion in their congregations from the very beginning. And the words that he…
Daily Devotions
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us…” vs. 1 Hebrews 12:1-3 Preachers often use sports metaphors to make points about our life in faith, and the writer to the Hebrews is no exception. Unfortunately, he didn’t know anything about golf, the most metaphoric game of all, but he…
Daily Devotions
Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.” vss. 3-4 Psalm 71:1-14 The psalmist had a strong desire for peace and tranquility in his life, and so do we. Our dream is to have meaningful work, loving families, good friends, retire early, and then live contentedly and happily…
Daily Devotions
He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.” vss. 2-3 Isaiah 42:1-9 As the prophet laid out his vision for Israel, he uses the term “Servant” in describing the nation’s work. The new Israel will not use military might to force its will upon the world, but will instead faithfully,…
Daily Devotions
Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” vss. 37-38 Mark 15:25-39 According to Josephus, a Jewish historian of the first century, the curtain of the temple was a Babylonian tapestry, a blue veil embroidered with a panorama of the heavens that kept the Holy of Holies from being seen. After Jesus’ death, it was said by some that at the very moment of…
Daily Devotions
They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.” vs. 21 Mark 15:16-24 As the disciples remembered the events of Jesus’ suffering and death they likely had many conversations with each other about what had happened. And they didn’t come away with the same memories–that’s just the way it is when we share stories. We can be in exactly the same situation as…
Daily Devotions
So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.” vs. 15 Mark 15: 1-15 When we take time to look at the gospel record of Jesus’ ministry in a more objective fashion it seems preposterous that he could have been crucified for his actions as a preacher, teacher, and healer. And he really posed no threat to the Roman forces stationed in his country–he had no weapons…
Daily Devotions
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.” vss. 5-7a Philippians 2:5-11 As far as Paul was concerned, everything revolved around Christ Jesus. Not only was he the one through whom the grace of God had become incarnate in the world, he…