Daily Devotions by Steve Holm (Page 137)

Daily Devotions by Steve Holm (Page 137)

Daily Devotions: November 28, 2019: THANKSGIVING

November 28, 2019 For full passage click: John 6:25-35 … “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” vs. 35 Thanksgiving is a holiday that seems to arise naturally out of human experience–people in nearly all countries have annual festivals to give thanks for harvest blessings. Often there will be prayers offered to God, even by those who don’t typically recognize…

Daily Devotions: November 27, 2019

November 27, 2019 For full passage click: Philippians 4:4-9 … “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” vs. 6 Thanksgiving Eve has become a favorite time for interfaith services. It seems that we can, for at least one day, put aside differences and concentrate on that which we have in common. And that’s a good thing! All of us, regardless of religious affiliation, receive amazing…

Daily Devotions: November 26, 2019

November 26, 2019 For full passage click: Psalm 122 … “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.’” vss. 6-7 Jerusalem was not only the capital of Judah, it was the center of worship life for all devout Jews, no matter where they lived in the world. The temple was here and three times each year there were important festivals to attend. Even today three major…

Daily Devotions: November 25, 2019

November 25, 2019 For full passage click: Isaiah 2:1-5“ … He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” vs. 4 Isaiah believed that one day Jerusalem would be established as the hub of God’s rule. From there, God would establish order and justice among the nations and there…

Daily Devotions: November 24, 2019

November 24, 2019 For full passage click: Luke 24:39-43 … “Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’” vss. 42-43 In Luke’s Gospel Jesus continues his ministry as he hangs dying on the cross, first forgiving his taunting killers and then offering hope to the criminal hanging next to him. His promise concerning Paradise has been scrutinized and studied for centuries. It’s…

Daily Devotions: November 23, 2019

November 23, 2019 For full passage click: Luke 23:33-38 … “Then Jesus said, ’Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots to divide his clothing.” vs. 34 Those of us who watch the Netflix series called “The Crown” have gotten a pretty good idea of what it’s like to sit on the throne of England. We know the glory, wealth, and prestige that comes from being a king or queen. In the…

Daily Devotions: November 22, 2019

November 22, 2019 For full passage click: Colossians 1:17-20 … “He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell…” vs. 18-19 The Christ who was in the beginning, who is the image of God imprinted in every human, is seen fully in Jesus of Nazareth. In Jesus we…

Daily Devotions: November 21, 2019

November 21, 2019 For full passage click: Colossians 1:11-16 … “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him.” vss. 15-16 These are two of the most spectacular verses in all of Scripture and deserve to be etched upon our hearts and maybe…

Daily Devotions: November 20, 2019

November 20, 2019 For full passage click: Psalm 46:6-11 … “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” vs. 10 The Psalmist knew that God is heard most clearly in the sounds of silence and not in sermons or even the singing of Psalms. It’s nice to have solid preachers and gifted choirs in congregations, but God comes closest to us when we put aside words and simply…

Daily Devotions: November 19, 2019

November 19, 2019 For full passage click: Psalm 46:1-6 … “Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.” vss. 2-3 As global temperatures rise more and more, people are convinced that we are in the beginning-stages of significant climate change. Even though some aren’t convinced that this is human-caused, they do agree that preparations need…

Daily Devotions: November 18, 2019

November 18, 2019 For full passage click: Jeremiah 23:1-6 …”Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord.” vs. 1 Judah was in a tough spot and Jeremiah was convinced that it was the fault of the kings. Speaking for the Lord, in a biting and forceful sermon, he blames Judah’s shepherds, i.e. kings, for destroying and scattering the people, and he looks forward to a day when a new righteous king will establish…

Daily Devotions: November 17, 2019

November 17, 2019 For full passage click: Luke 21:10-19 … “This will give you an opportunity to testify.” vs. 13 When early Christians were arrested and hauled before courts and judges, they rejoiced at the opportunity they had been given to testify concerning the living presence of Christ Jesus in their lives. That’s generally how it has always worked for people of faith. No matter what disaster or trial may come our way in the course of our journeys, it…