Author: Dave Dishman (Page 195 of 458)

In his parting speech to the nation he led for many years, Samuel made an intriguing statement about prayer:

Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you.

As Samuel stepped aside for Israel’s first king, he choose to underscore prayer as his key contribution to the nation’s flourishing. Not his years of hard-earned wisdom, or a pledge of all his worldly goods. Rather, intensive prayer on their behalf.

Samuel held himself accountable. To fail put him wrong before the Lord. Samuel walked in a most intimate way with God for years and years, and possessed unusual insight into divine workings. Thanks to his experiences Samuel understood the vital power and significance of prayer.

Samuel’s words remind me that prayer is more than a good idea as I also attempt to walk with God. Focused prayer unlocks doors to deeper, richer faith, even if I only scratch the surface in my feeble attempts.

But feeble is fine when the object of our prayers in the Lord. He multiplies whatever we offer. I only junk the process by refusing to pray. Lean into praying for family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and the world around us. Perhaps the Lord waits for us to move our prayer life from advisable to vital.

I Samuel 12 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Silas Köhler

In the economy of the Lord, wealth and status and size really don’t matter. Take as an example the calling of Saul as the first king of Israel. Approached by Samuel the prophet, Saul responded:

But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin?

The smallest and the least. That’s where the Lord goes to work. Bigger, stronger brothers overshadowed David. Servants pulled Moses from the waters. A teenager gave birth to the Savior. Faith the size of a tiny mustard seed moves mountains.

The Lord upends conventional thinking. Slow beginnings mean nothing. Smallest and least doesn’t bother the Lord at all. Keep that in mind, then take courage and keep the faith.

1 Samuel 9 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Brigitta Baranyi

Hannah suffered a common fate. Married to a good man, she desired a child, but none came. After much begging and weeping and pleading, a son arrived. Hannah’s prayer of thankfulness reminds me of the source of all things that make life wonderful.

My heart rejoices in the Lord…it is not by strength that one prevails…He will guard the feet of his faithful servants.

Brute force rarely opens marvelous doors. The Lord blessed Hannah with a baby at a time when all she could do was wait for a pregnancy. No other treatments existed. No amount of strength would force that door.

I notice the best doors in my life open gradually. For instance, good relationships come slowly, with understanding and kindness and forgiveness, not force. A fine meal arrives to the table thanks to the skill of the chef, not her strength. No power is required to enjoy a quiet stroll in the woods.

Hannah’s prayer points me to God. Through the Lord barren women bear children, and through the Lord I may prevail.

Thank you Lord, that I’m not dependent on my strength, but on you.

1 Samuel 2 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Jennifer Griffin

Open-minded people, when discussing ways to perhaps reach God, often tell us there are many paths to the top of the mountain.

Peter and John rejected such pablum. In a speech before the hostile ruling council of Jerusalem, they spoke authoritatively about Jesus—Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.

Their astonishing statement brought this group of highly educated religious leaders up short. Jesus didn’t figure into their salvation plans. Uneducated men (who spent three years with Jesus) flummoxed the priests.

Peter’s words cause consternation today. Salvation is found in no one else? Think on it. While many paths may get you to the foot of the mountain, only one gets you to the top.

The path carved by Jesus.

Acts 4 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by trail