Posts by Rev. Steve Holm (Page 9)
Daily Devotions
He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom comes. Give us each day our daily bread.’” vss. 3-4 Luke 11:1-4 The disciples had observed that prayer was an important part of each day for Jesus. Most of the time he did it in private early in the morning, but sometimes they could see what he was doing–and they were curious. John had taught his disciples to pray but so far Jesus hadn’t given…
Daily Devotions
God made you alive together with (Christ), when he forgave us all our trespasses, erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross.” vss. 13b-14 Colossians 2:13-15 Paul assures the Colossians that everything necessary for their salvation has already taken place in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That statement alone has provided great consolation for believers through the centuries. It’s so good to know that there isn’t…
Daily Devotions
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” vss. 6-7 Colossians 2:6-12 The saints in the little congregation at Colossae had heard the gospel and had begun to trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord. There was nothing more for them to hear or learn, all that the Apostle asked was that they…
Daily Devotions
For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away.” vs. 6 Psalm 138 The psalmist’s insight is precious. He regards the Lord as being high, almost elevated from the plane of the earth, which would fit the notion that some have of the “Big Guy Upstairs.” But that doesn’t mean that he considers God to be somehow removed from humanity. On the contrary he teaches that the Lord is very close…
Daily Devotions
Then he said, “Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak just once more. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.” vs. 32 Genesis 18:27-32 A lot of people have bargained with God through the centuries, but it’s doubtful that any could match Abraham’s success. Bit by bit he chipped away at God’s intentions until he got the deal he was looking for. And of course, as…
Daily Devotions
Far be it from you to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” vs. 25 Genesis 18:20-26 While it’s hard to imagine anyone having a conversation with the Lord, this ancient story is both familiar and instructive. When Abraham catches wind of the impending destruction of Sodom he is immediately concerned…
Daily Devotions
But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.’” vss. 41-42 Luke 10:41-42 Jesus’ repetition of Martha’s name is an indication of his affection for her. This is how reproving words are prefaced when addressed to someone we loved. “Martha, Martha,” he said, “you are such a caring person and concerned about many…
Daily Devotions
But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.’” vs. 40 Luke 10:38-40 This wasn’t just a squabble between sisters. What Mary was doing was a serious violation of the hospitality code. Just as Sarah had prepared the bread for the three men Abraham had invited to dinner, and then…
Daily Devotions
I became its servant according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints.” vss. 25-26 Colossians 1:21-29 Paul doesn’t believe that he is presenting anything new to the Gentiles. He’s simply making the word of God fully known. He says it’s like a mystery that has been hidden from the beginning…
Daily Devotions
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.” vss.19-20 Colossians 1:15-20 These verses are found in the Christ Hymn, a beautiful and moving tribute to the Lord Jesus Christ, that was probably composed toward the end of the First Century. While descriptions of Jesus abound in the gospels, and…
Daily Devotions
O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill? Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart;” vss. 1-2 Psalm 15 This psalmist believed that the Lord had strict standards for all who were a part of the Jewish faith community. This strictness has long been a principal teaching for followers of Christ as well. Some know what it’s like to have every word and deed…
Daily Devotions
Then one said, “I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son. And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him.” vs. 10 Genesis 18:8-10a Once Abraham and Sarah take over the pages of Genesis her barrenness quickly becomes an issue. How could all the promises made to Abraham be fulfilled if the two of them have no son? The text implies that the problem is Sarah’s. Abraham seems to have…