Posts by Rev. Steve Holm (Page 74)
Daily Devotions
For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…” vss. 22b-24 Romans 3:19-25 For years Martin Luther struggled with his own sinfulness, believing that there had to be some way by which he could, by his own effort, be free from the horrible burden of guilt. But nothing worked, and his anguish continued until…
Daily Devotions
Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” vs. 10 Psalm 46:7-11 It doesn’t take much to get really agitated on the eve of elections. We’re told by politicians of every stripe that disaster will surely come if their opponents win. We get emails and text messages every day saying that our contributions are sorely needed to stave off the last-minute attack ads that are proliferating in the…
Daily Devotions
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea.” vss. 1-2 Psalm 46:1-6 There are some in these latter days who do believe that climate is changing, but that humans have little if anything to do with it. They point to earth’s history and insist that the changes we see now are just a part of the…
Daily Devotions
No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.” vs. 34 Jeremiah 31:31-34 In the midst of calamity, Jeremiah produced a vision that has captivated the hearts of all believers and is especially suited for people living in these troubling times. One day, he…
Daily Devotions
But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’” vs. 13 Luke 18:13-14 While Jesus frequently lashed out at the Pharisees in his parables, he didn’t believe they were bad people. On the contrary, his love for them was deep, but he feared that their arrogance would ultimately leave them isolated from God. The more they trusted in their own righteousness,…
Daily Devotions
The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’” vss. 11-12 Luke 18:9-12 While there are literally hundreds of ways in which we can differentiate ourselves from others, there are a couple of categories that transcend even race and skin color. Jesus describes them as the righteous and…
Daily Devotions
At my first defence no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed…” vss. 16-17a 2 Timothy 4:16-18 Paul had appealed to the emperor when he was arrested and, according to Luke, he was taken to Rome to face trial. We don’t know what happened then, but he was able to present…
Daily Devotions
As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” vss.6-7 2 Timothy 4:6-8 The timing and the circumstances of our birthing are presumably out of our control. One day, in the fullness of time, we plop out into the world with a resounding cry, and from that point on it’s one adventure after…
Daily Devotions
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.” vs. 3 Psalm 84:1-7 This psalm was likely sung by believers as they made their way to Jerusalem for one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals of Judaism. It was an exciting time, and everyone looked forward to making their offerings and worshiping in the temple. This was the…
Daily Devotions
Then the man said, ‘You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.’” vs. 28 Genesis 32:26-32 These days when traveling through Israel, tourists are amazed to discover large fields of prickly pear cactus. The pads are eaten as a vegetable and the pods make delicious jams and jellies–in Israel they are known as “sabra,” which is also the name given to native born Israelis. The name describes…
Daily Devotions
Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.” vs. 24 Genesis 32:22-25 Jacob had fled from Esau’s presence when his trickery in stealing his father’s blessing had been revealed, and he had stayed with his uncle Laban for over 20 years. He had married Laban’s daughters and had become a wealthy man, but he yearned for his homeland. After sending word to Esau that he was on the way, Jacob stayed alone at the ford of…
Daily Devotions
And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” vss. 7-8 Luke 18:6-8 The parable of the unjust judge has been clear in affirming the faithfulness of God. If a crooked judge will answer persistent petitions, then certainly God will do…