Posts by Rev. Steve Holm (Page 172)
Daily Devotions: July 31 , 2018
July 31, 2018 Exodus 16:9-15…“When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, ‘What is it?’ For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, ‘It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.’” vs. 15 When the Israelites saw the flaky substance on the ground, they said, “Man hu,” which in Hebrew means, “What is it?” Their question sounds like “manna,” the word used to describe the life-sustaining bread provided by God…
Daily Devotions: July 30 , 2018
July 30, 2018 Exodus 16:2-4…“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not.’” vs. 4 The story of the Exodus, Israel’s defining historical narrative, was passed from generation to generation for hundreds of years. Every child knew that their ancestors had been released from…
Daily Devotions: July 29 , 2018
July 29, 2018 John 6:15-21…“But he said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’” vs. 20 It was a scary night for the disciples. Jesus had left them alone and gone off by himself and they had headed for home in their boat. The waves made the rowing difficult but it wasn’t the storm that frightened them. It was Jesus. He showed up where they hadn’t expected him and they were terrified. His words are familiar to us,…
Daily Devotions: July 28 , 2018
July 28, 2018 John 6:1-14…“Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted.” vs. 11 As we read these words from John’s account of the feeding of the 5000, we’re reminded of Holy Communion. Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed the bread to the people, and all who ate were satisfied. Sometimes we get sidetracked in our reflection and…
Daily Devotions: July 27 , 2018
July 27, 2018 Ephesians 3:19-21…“Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” vs. 20-21 Early believers were amazed at the growth and the vitality of the movement that had started with only a few disciples in the days following the resurrection. It just didn’t seem…
Daily Devotions: July 26 , 2018
July 26, 2018 Ephesians 3:14-18…“I pray that… Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.” vs. 16a-17 We are regularly told in Paul’s letters that we are “in Christ,” that we are in fact his Body in the world. It’s a magnificent concept and helps us understand our part in Christ’s continuing presence. We are literally Christ’s hands and feet and it’s through us that the hurting find healing and captives…
Daily Devotions: July 25 , 2018
July 25, 2018 Psalm 145:15-18…“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” vs. 18 The psalmist has a compelling perspective. Not only is the Lord the awesome ruler of the universe, one who provides for the needs of every living creature, the Lord is also the intimate source of strength and life, as near to us as our breath. It’s important for us to remember this, particularly when we struggle…
Daily Devotions: July 24 , 2018
July 24, 2018 Psalm 145:10-15…Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.” vs. 13 The psalmist likely lived in Jerusalem and was familiar with the trappings of power and the influence exerted by national interest. He was a Jew and perhaps hoped for a return to the glory days of David. But he was also more than that! His God was…
Daily Devotions: July 23 , 2018
July 23, 2018 2 Kings 4:43-44…“He set it before them, they ate, and had some left, according to the word of the Lord.” vs. 44 Many people don’t realize that there was a miraculous feeding story connected to Israel’s ancient prophet, Elisha. It’s only a couple of verses and recounts the time a servant is told by Elijah to feed 100 people with 20 barley loaves and a few ears of grain. Of course that wasn’t nearly enough to feed…
Daily Devotions: July 22 , 2018
July 22, 2018 Mark 6:53-56…“When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.” vs. 54 Over the last decade, there has been a vigorous debate about healthcare in our country and there haven’t been many satisfactory solutions proposed. We continue to search for the best way to deal with the manifold diseases and illnesses that cause such…
Daily Devotions: July 21 , 2018
July 21, 2018 Mark 6:30-34…“As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.” vs. 34 Jesus saw that his disciples needed a break. They’d been working hard in ministry and were getting worn out, so he made plans to go off to a quiet place. Evidently there were retreat centers even in those days! There was however, an…
Daily Devotions: July 20 , 2018
July 20, 2018 Ephesians 2:15-22…“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.” vss. 19-20 It’s so easy to get caught up in the strident nationalism of our day and begin to believe that illegals threaten every aspect of our future. According to current rhetoric, all our problems will…