Daily Devotions by Steve Holm (Page 67)
Daily Devotions
Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.” vss. 3-4 Psalm 63 Almost a half century ago, back before amplifiers replaced acoustic guitars, folks in evangelical congregations regularly heard the song “Thy Loving Kindness” and loved its catchy harmonies. “Thy Lovingkindness is better than life, Thy Lovingkindness is better than life. My lips shall…
Daily Devotions
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” vs. 9 Isaiah 55:6-9 Even though the prophet regularly refers to God as the Lord, it’s likely from what he says that he would also be comfortable with “Divine Mystery” as a way to think of God. The Israelites had been struggling for hundreds of years to get a handle on God but times kept changing and…
Daily Devotions
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.” vs. 2 Isaiah 55:1-5 The prophet was an astute observer of his peers and had discovered that a large number were dissatisfied and unhappy. It wasn’t that they were broke and unemployed. Like many of us they had jobs and earned a reasonable wage,…
Daily Devotions
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” Luke 13:31-35 When it comes to metaphors we love to talk and sing of God as being like an eagle, one who lifts us up out of danger with strong wings and amazing strength. But that’s not the metaphor Jesus…
Daily Devotions
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.” vs. 1 Philippians 3:19-4:1 Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the Philippians–it was a regular thing in his life–but this time it seemed serious. He was awaiting trial and wasn’t sure how that would go. In those days, prisoners could receive visitors, letters, and gifts and Paul had gotten all of…
Daily Devotions
Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.” vs. 17 Philippians 3:17-19 No matter what our background in the faith, no matter how strong our commitment to Christ, we all have to crawl out of bed in the morning, pause for a cup of coffee, and then figure out how we’re going to use all the hours we have at our disposal through the day. And if we’re…
Daily Devotions
I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” vss. 13-14 Psalm 27:9-14 Sometimes as we read the psalms it seems as though the writer of a particular psalm was living under the proverbial black cloud. There were enemies on every side and even family members could not be trusted. Everywhere the psalmist turned it seemed…
Daily Devotions
Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.” Psalm 27:1-8 The psalmist was no stranger to war and its devastating consequences. The city of Jerusalem was besieged and destroyed regularly and its residents were accustomed to seeing foreign armies camped on the surrounding hills and refugees flooding into the city. In recent weeks we’ve seen this same ugly scene unfold in our time as the people…
Daily Devotions
On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, ‘To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates…’” vs 18 Genesis 15; 7-12, 17-18 The Hebrews thought of themselves as a covenant people; they had an agreement with God that went all the way back to Abram, the first of their patriarchs. It had been symbolized by the cutting in two of three sacrificial animals by Abram, who…
Daily Devotions
And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.” vs. Genesis 15:1-6 Abram is a significant figure for both Jews and Muslims. Both religions point to him as a mighty Semetic patriarch, some would say the first quasi-historical figure to appear in the ancient stories of scripture. He was born in the ancient city of Ur in Mesopotamia but began a nomadic search for a new homeland, traveling through most of the Middle East in…
Daily Devotions
Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”’’ vs. 12 Luke 4:9-14 Jesus had already received affirmation of God’s love following his baptism. It was an experience that he could never forget–and now a voice was telling him to ask for more, just in case he’d misunderstood the first time. We know what that’s like. As humans it’s never enough to be told something once, and if our lover has said “You’re…
Daily Devotions
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” vss. 1-2a Luke 4:1-8 Following his life-changing experience with the Divine after his baptism, Jesus didn’t immediately begin his ministry. For one thing, he probably didn’t have a clear idea of what that mission would entail–there were no job descriptions for the work of a Messiah, just a few assorted references…