Posts by Rev. Steve Holm (Page 8)
Daily Devotions
For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that 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.’” vs.23-24 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 After Jesus’ crucifixion, reports immediately began to spread of his resurrection, a few of which are recorded in our gospels. Convinced by…
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 In chapter 11 the writer of Hebrews gave a definition of faith that is worthy of memorization. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” He had then gone on…
Daily Devotions
Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields.” vss. 7-8 Mark 11:1-11 Sometimes on what used to be called Palm Sunday, congregations would gather first outside the church, palm fronds would be distributed, and everyone would process into the sanctuary, waving the branches and singing. Very occasionally an enterprising pastor…
Daily Devotions
Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say— ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour.” vs. 27 John 12:27-33 In John’s gospel the coming of the Greeks is a signal to Jesus that the end of his mission is near, and he knows that this will mean his crucifixion. While it may seem that this is all part of the plan and that all things are…
Daily Devotions
Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.’” vs. 23 John 12:20-26 We might like to know about the Greeks who sought out Philip and said, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus,” but the gospel writer doesn’t tell us a thing. John had a larger purpose in mentioning them. For him the coming of the Greeks was a signal to Jesus that the hour of his death was at hand. Very soon he…
Daily Devotions
Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.” vss. 11-12 Psalm 51:6-11 For a couple of generations these verses were regularly sung as a part of liturgical worship in many congregations. We probably didn’t intentionally memorize them, but they became embedded in our brains nonetheless. For many they were a reminder that one of the main…
Daily Devotions
Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me.” vs. 5 Psalm 51:1-5 We would just as soon ignore verses like this one when we read scripture. It conjures up old teachings about original sin that have been less than helpful as we’ve battled issues of shame and guilt in our lives. It seems to be a contradiction of our innate goodness as a child of God, and more than that, it implies that somehow our sin…
Daily Devotions
And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” vss. 14-15 John 3:14-17 As John struggled to find a metaphor that would make the cross more palatable to his readers, he remembered an obscure incident from the Hebrew scriptures that was absolutely perfect. During one of the Israelites many rebellions against Moses the Lord had sent poisonous serpents as a…
Daily Devotions
For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” vs. 10 Ephesians 2:4-10 Even though we are sinners, by grace, God has already raised us up and given us new life in Christ. And when we trust that this is true, we can put away our old selves and devote ourselves to a lifetime of good works. It doesn’t make any difference how we…
Daily Devotions
You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient.” vss. 1-2 Ephesians 2:1-3 We aren’t exactly sure who Paul is talking about when he spoke of the “ruler of the power of the air,” but we can make a pretty good guess. Chances are he’s referring to Satan, or…
Daily Devotions
Some were sick through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities endured affliction; Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress;” vss. 17, 19 Psalm 107:17-22 The psalmist knew that sometimes people didn’t get what they deserved, that even though their lives had been marked by rebellion and complaining, the Lord’s healing love was unconditional. Thousands of years later folks continue to find consolation in that surprising good news, especially those…
Daily Devotions
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.” vs. 1 Psalm 107:1-3 Occasionally, especially in the middle of Lent or a particularly upsetting news cycle, it’s helpful for people of faith to pause and give thanks to the Lord for the relentless and unceasing love that undergirds our being. Sometimes we’re like old crows as we plod through life. Distracted by everything that moves or glitters we spend our days flitting from…