Author: Dave Dishman (Page 175 of 480)

Tonight is Halloween, a spooky evening of dress-up and candy. Personally I never cared much for the costume part, but I’m all in on the candy. Now that my kids are grown I don’t have any bags to raid, so I just buy my own and pretend to pass it out. I’ve been eating Mounds bars all week.

Our neighborhood sprouts more and more yard decorations every year. Bones litter the ground and skeletons beckon children to front doors. Most folks fail to look beyond the fun to the reality lying scattered across their lawn. We’ll all eventually end up mouldering in the dirt. While tempting, I won’t become the crusty old man telling the children of that truth tonight.

It’s easy to miss deeper realities in the swirl of a fun evening. In the same way, it’s easy for me to ignore deeper realities by keeping my life busy. I allow distractions to pull my mind to the immediate, to the candy I enjoy and crave, and rarely get around to pondering the eternal.

Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

John contrasted light and dark throughout his gospel. Nicodemus first came to Jesus at night, and much later came out as a committed follower in the light of day. Jesus shines a light into the gloomiest of souls.

So it’s good for me to remember the realities behind a night of costumes and candy. Jesus remains my light in the midst of revelry and distractions. Jesus stands as the Lord of Halloween because Jesus stands as the Lord of Life.

In the darkness—especially in the darkness—keep the faith. Follow Jesus. Let the Light of the World give you life, even as you dodge glowing skeletons to get a hand into that pot of candy.

John 8 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by David Menidrey

Recently on a drive to the airport a line of traffic stopped us cold. I quickly pulled off on a side road to shoot around the jam. Bad decision. The alternate route stacked up even worse and led to another twenty minutes of delay. Fortunately, my wife made her flight but I drove home frustrated. Why didn’t I just glance at the GPS on my phone before leaving the highway?

An invading army once paused at a crossroads and consulted their ancient GPS system. The king of Babylon will stop at the fork in the road to seek an omen: He will cast lots with arrows, his will consult his idols, he will examine the liver.

While is sounds ridiculous to our ears, ancient experts examined the liver of a sheep for clues into important decisions. They looked at the shape of the liver, and for blemishes on different aspects of the liver. These priests developed into liver experts and guided kings by this superstitious practice.

Proverbs tells us, the king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He pleases. In the case of the Babylonian king, God massaged a sheep’s organ to accomplish his will. The slimy liver sent the invaders straight on to Jerusalem.

I like to think I possess better tools for decision-making than sheep’s liver. A pro-con list, wise words from trusted friends, impressions in prayer, and teachings from scripture make more sense, and are certainly less messy.

However, none of my decision-making techniques serve me unless I also seek the Lord. I may still be in doubt, but I can rest in the hope that the Lord directs my path, even when that path lies shrouded up ahead.

But next time I’m facing a big decision, and feel unsure of my next step, perhaps I’ll take a trip to the butcher shop and examine the livers. Who knows what inspiration might strike me?

Ezekiel 21 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by tommao wang

I am the bread of life — Jesus.

To give context to the quote, Jesus spoke to a crowd of people who the day before stuffed themselves with loaves and fishes. Jesus encouraged them not to work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life. He added, whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Go to Jesus and gain life. It’s not complicated (although Jesus might complicate your life at first). Commit to Jesus in humility and deference, and the filling will commence.

Contrary to all I hear, the bread of life does not consist of money, or possessions, or fame, or strength, or power, or followers, or pleasures, or health, or ease, or respect, or recognition, or degrees, or any of the thousand other ideas sold to me daily. Instead, the bread of life is found only in Jesus, offered freely, available openly, within my grasp.

Why not step forward and eat?

John 6 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Wesual Click

Last week my wife and I traveled to New York City to celebrate our granddaughter’s first birthday. We enjoyed several meals out on the town—New York lays out the welcome mat for food lovers.

We feasted on Italian food at Carmine’s in Manhattan and slurped down soup dumplings in Chinatown. Next we crossed the street for a scoop of ice cream (where I cautiously tasted the Durian). Bagels and crullers and smash burgers all found their way onto our menu. Fortunately, walking everywhere in New York helps with digestion.

The psalmist reminds us that the Lord gives food to every creature. Part of the enduring love of God evidences itself in the food we eat. Not merely sustenance, but the Lord fills our plates both for our pleasure and to enjoy the company of others.

Before a meal I like to give thanks. It may only be a quick prayer with a slight bow, but it helps me remember who butters my bread. Thank you Lord.

Bon Appétit!

Psalm 136 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Dan Gold