Posts by Rev. Steve Holm (Page 72)
Daily Devotions
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.” vss.1-2 John 2:1-5 The opening prayer in the Lutheran marriage service begins with these words, “Eternal God, as you gladdened the wedding in Cana of Galilee with the presence of your son, so by his presence now bring your joy to this wedding.” What it doesn’t say is that Jesus…
Daily Devotions
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” vs. 7 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 Paul believed that within each congregation there were a variety of gifts, services, and activities that were sparked by the presence of the Spirit. Moreover, since no one individual could do everything, each person had been equipped with particular gifts. In his words, “to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” In a healthy congregation everyone would…
Daily Devotions
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.” vs. 1 1 Corinthians 12:1-6 Paul had written to the Corinthians to address a multitude of problems, but took a couple of chapters to address the issue of spiritual gifts, something that had become hugely divisive in that congregation. Some had begun to flaunt their spirituality, claiming a kind of superiority because they could speak in tongues, what they called a special gift of the…
Daily Devotions
They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.” vss. 8-9 Psalm 36:8-10 There is a story told of a man who was born on third base and thought he had hit a triple. It’s an illustration of the arrogance that has become typical in our society and culture. Most of us enjoy magnificent lives full…
Daily Devotions
Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.” vs. 5 Psalm 36:5-7 To the casual observer it appears that our world is dominated by people who cultivate intrigue and deceit and who have no regard for truth or kindness. Every day we read and hear stories of their schemes and scams, and it’s easy to think that humanity is evil to the core. The psalmist knew those kinds of folks too and imagined that…
Daily Devotions
For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch.” vs. 1 Isaiah 62:1-5 When the people returned to Jerusalem after their time in exile, it would have been easy for them to be discouraged. Their proud city lay in ruins and the temple had been destroyed. The protective walls were no more than piles of rubble. But the…
Daily Devotions
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’” vss. 21-22 Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 When John began baptizing by the Jordan, people came out from all the area to hear him preach and to receive a baptism…
Daily Devotions
Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.” vss. 14-15 Acts 8:14-17 The early years of the Church were a jumble of activity. The apostles tried to impose some sense of order but it was impossible. Believers were heading in every direction to tell the good news of Jesus–they were in…
Daily Devotions
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” vs. 1b Isaiah 43:1-7 While there are a multitude of differences among humans we have one thing in common. All of us crave affirmation, a sign of affection or love, some indication that we have value just as we are. Too many have been beaten down by discounting cultural messages that come from every direction. For some it starts in childhood with bullying…
Daily Devotions
On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” vs. 11 Matthew 2:1-12 When Matthew wrote his gospel he included the story of the wise men to illustrate that the birth of Jesus had been anticipated centuries before when Isaiah wrote that one day a light from God would shine in the darkness, and that…
Daily Devotions
Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things;” vss. 8-9 Ephesians 3:1-12 It was apparent to Paul and some other leaders in the early Church that the good news revealed in Christ Jesus had actually been present ages…
Daily Devotions
May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute, may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts.” vs. 10 Psalm 72: 1-7, 10-14 When a new prince was crowned in Judah there was no limit to the extravagant dreams and hopes that were given voice by the people. With a new ruler on the throne this psalmist even looks forward to the day when distant kings and rulers would bring gifts and tribute. Even in those…