Author: Dave Dishman (Page 217 of 458)

I pray hard at times and no movement occurs. So I must admit to the skepticism that creeps in with these words from Jesus: Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

I understand that God answers prayers—He has answered some of mine—but not every prayer all the time. God responds based on his all-encompassing power, but also limited by his love. He may not want me to have all that I desire.

There’s another aspect Jesus brings up about prayer that I conveniently overlook. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

I offer effective prayer to the sovereign God only when I couple my requests with a willingness to forgive. Perhaps my doddering prayer life results from such a lack of forgiveness? It’s not for nothing that Jesus taught us to pray, forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

To forgive as we have been forgiven forms a bedrock concept for a follower of Jesus. I need the Holy Spirit’s help to forgive, just as I need help to pray and believe and see mountains finally move around me.

Mark 11 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Chris Liverani

People suffer for all sorts of reasons, often due to either personal limitations or sinful actions. The writer of Psalm 107 points to suffering in the desert and on the high seas, in sickness and in prisons.

Even when people’s rebelliousness brings suffering, despite shaking fists and bitter curses, the Lord does not stay angry. In each instance the psalmist records:

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.

The most defiant sinner, when in trouble and close to death, can turn to the Lord. The act of humbly crying out for salvation catches God’s attention.

I easily drift toward a view of God as punisher. But here I see the Lord’s compassion. God does not stay angry forever. He wants none to perish but all to follow him—even the most rebellious. Even you and me in our rebellion.

When in trouble, cry out to the Lord in earnestness and humility, especially if you brought the trouble on yourself. The Lord may fix your problem, or more likely the Lord will leave your problem and begin to fix you.

Psalm 107 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Ahmed M Elpahwee

People fight over water here in Colorado. A constant source of litigation, entire firms of lawyers specialize in water rights. The supply is limited, and good living depends on accessible water.

Water issues bubble up early in the scriptures. Isaac’s men dug a well of fresh water which neighbors immediately grabbed—this well is ours! That well earned the name Esek, or dispute. They successfully dug again, but the quarrels followed. Isaac named the next well Sitnah, or opposition.

Moving on, they ditched their contentious neighbors and struck water once more. Finally at peace, Isaac called this well Rehoboth, or room, saying now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land.

Good wells lead to a flourishing life, and I’m reminded of some of my refreshing reservoirs.

My wife and I earn a living thanks to a team of ministry partners who financially and prayerfully support our work. This dedicated group of people form a deep well of fresh encouragement—they allow us to flourish.

What are your wells? I also think of family and friends, a warm home and good health. What gives and sustains your life?

Of course, the Lord provides all we possess, and I find it encouraging to notice and name the wells he has dug in my life.

Genesis 26 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Frank Albrecht