Posts by Rev. Steve Holm (Page 4)
Daily Devotions
John 4:5-15… “The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?’ (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.)” vs. 9 The Jews and the Samaritans were of the same ethnic background, but the Samaritans had not been a part of the Babylonian exile. When the Jews returned to Jerusalem under Ezra and Nehemiah there were immediate tensions with the Samaritans. Those tensions continued through the…
Daily Devotions
Romans 5:6-11… “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die.” vss. 6-7 In most of the places where followers of Jesus gather for worship there will be a cross in a prominent position near the front of the church, sometimes in a crucifix form, bearing the body of Jesus, and often empty, a reminder…
Daily Devotions
Romans 5:1-5… “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand;” vss. 1-2a Sometimes we believers get our slogans confused, and we wonder things like, are we “justified by grace through faith,” or is it “justified by faith through grace?” And really it doesn’t make any difference which phrase we’ve learned–both contain the same essential truth about our relationship to God. But…
Daily Devotions
Psalm 95… “O come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” vs. 1 According to recent surveys 83% of Americans say that they believe in God but only about 30% participate in regular worship services. Now it is true that you don’t have to be a part of a worshipping community to worship God. Since God is not confined to buildings it’s quite possible to worship in a variety…
Daily Devotions
Exodus 17:1-7… “But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, ‘Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?’ “ vs. 3 It appears that when the people of Israel quarreled with Moses and then complained about his leadership, they pushed him over the edge. He became so angry that, according to the book of Numbers, he failed to honor God when he struck…
Daily Devotions
John 3:11-17… “If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?” Nicodemus didn’t get it, and there were no words to explain what he was missing. Sometimes that’s how it is when we try to share our deepest feelings and ideas with a curious questioner. We can know something so intimately in our hearts but when we try to share that truth all the words…
Daily Devotions
John 3:1-10… “Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?’” vs. 4 There is nothing like being a literalist to hinder a person from grasping the Truth!Nicodemus, a teacher of the law, was eager to talk to Jesus. He’d been watching hisministry from a distance, but was reluctant to show his interest publicly. He comesunder cover of darkness with his questions, and…
Daily Devotions
Romans 4: 13-17… “If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither isthere violation.” vss. 14-15 There is much to be said for operating under the rule of law in our world. It’s whatenables businesses to flourish and governments to be trusted. Without it marketsare quickly taken over by cartels and politicians rake in billions…
Daily Devotions
Romans 4: 1-5… “But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.” vs. 5 Most people have a pretty good sense of how they have lived their lives. Oh, we forget some things, but in general we know exactly what we have done and what we have not done, and we’re particularly aware of our shortcomings. That’s why many folks find it really hard to believe that they are worthy in…
Daily Devotions
Psalm 121:5-8… “The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.” vs. 7 Sometimes it’s hard to believe the things we read in scripture, and that’s particularly true with verses like this one. We wonder how the psalmist could speak with such certainty! Surely he must have known people whose lives had been turned upside down by the evils of this world. Sometimes good and decent people have awful things happen to them and to their…
Daily Devotions
Psalm 121:1-4… “I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” vss. 1-2 Humans take great pride in being self-sufficient. We’re taught from an early age to take care of ourselves, and, if we have a problem, to find a solution. We like being in charge of our destiny and love being able to choose professions or careers. Those same feelings even carry over…
Daily Devotions
Genesis 12:1-4a… “I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” vs. 3 Some have experienced what it’s like to have a “chosen one” among our siblings. This is the child who, at least from our perspective, has gotten all the advantages while growing up. They’re pampered, protected, and given the best of everything. That seems to have been the position…