Author: Dave Dishman (Page 219 of 458)

At the end of December I took some time to look at the state of our long-term investments. I’m more of a “put the money away and let it grow” type of investor, although this year the “grow” part got lost somewhere. I’m hoping for better results this coming year.

I just read about one investment that sounds too good to be true. Listen to its description: Perfect, refreshing the soul; trustworthy, making wise the simple; right, giving joy to the heart; radiant, giving light to the eyes; pure, enduring forever; sweeter than honey and more precious than much pure gold.

What makes up this otherworldly prospectus? The words of Scripture sitting within arm’s reach of my chair.

The best stake I plant this coming year will be the time and energy spent in the Bible. Stocks may soar and the economy boom, but wealth never totally satisfies. In contrast, as the words of God sink deeply into our souls they slowly produce wisdom and joy and a sparkle in the eye.

The decrees of the Lord expand our lives and yield hope like nothing else. The words on the page aren’t magic, but they point us to the God of the universe, whose actions are better than magic.

Trustworthy, radiant, pure, sweeter than honey and more valuable than gold—that’s an investment to grab and not let go.

Psalm 19 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Markus Spiske

In desperation, people will do things never before considered. Jairus fell on the ground before Jesus in desperation—his little girl lay dying. Jairus pleaded, begged, abandoned all dignity in his effort to sway Jesus.

I wonder what Jairus believed about Jesus that day as he left his house? He’d heard stories of the healer. He worked in the synagogue, so he listened to thoughts from priests and religious teachers. But what did he believe personally?

As Jairus shot out the door he sought the only person who might possibly rescue his family. Whether he believed a little or a lot, he believed in the right man.

I also wonder what Jairus believed when he walked Jesus into a house full of mourners where his obviously dead daughter lay stretched out on the bed? What did Jairus believe when Jesus spoke, Little girl, I say to you, get up!?

When the little girl hopped out of bed and walked around the room (whenever Jesus healed a person, they enjoyed energy and health) I can guess what Jairus believed. A vibrant, can’t-shut-his-mouth Jesus fanatic blew out of that room. Jesus changed everything for Jairus, his daughter, and his household.

Which is a vital lesson about faith. Faith in the right person makes for life abundant, while faith placed elsewhere will eventually fall short. If I only muster a tiny bit of faith, it’s best placed in the hands of the Lord.

Then anything might happen.

Mark 5 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Annie Spratt

In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus treated the elements of nature like a class of unruly third-graders—Quiet! Be Still! Then the wind died down and it was dead calm.

Jesus turned and rebuked his disciples (who shook him awake in fear) for their lack of faith, for forgetting who rode in their boat.

But the disciples response shakes me: They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

These new followers of Jesus whipped from fear of the storm to terror of the man sharing their boat.

An unknown aspect of Jesus emerged, bringing an oppressive sense of awe. The divine leaked around the edges and the disciples caught it. At that moment Jesus was too much for them.

We catch only a sliver of Jesus’s power. This storm offered a glimpse of what he’s capable of. It must have been truly awesome, in every sense of the word, to rock quietly in that boat as the waves died down.

Jesus, a friend to sinners, a comfort to those in need, who healed the sick and raised the dead—also terrorized his closest followers when they glimpsed his true nature.

I wonder if I know enough about Jesus to find him terrifying?

Mark 4 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Axel Antas-Bergkvist

We all think various family members are crazy. When I was a teenager I thought my parents were crazy. Why be so bothered when their son drove his old truck into the Buffalo river? He got it out again…

Then I became a parent and learned that all teenagers are insane—my parents were right all along.

Early in his ministry, Jesus’s family actually left home to come get him, thinking he is out of his mind. Jesus caused a stir by restoring a man’s shriveled hand on the Sabbath, and drew huge crowds as he healed both physical and spiritual diseases. The surrounding area rollicked under Jesus’s influence, and his family decided to step in.

They arrived too late to keep the miracle worker under wraps. Watching Jesus at work, his family realized that Jesus was not out of his mind, but rather stone cold sober. A Jesus they never knew emerged—the Messiah and the Savior of the world.

In reality, we’re all out of our minds, crippled by sin, unable to acquire a sound mind on our own. Jesus brings clarity, pure thinking, and God’s reality when he enters our life. When we encounter Jesus our shriveled souls stretch back out toward our Creator.

Crazy looks pretty good when Jesus is in the room.

Mark 3 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Claudio Schwarz