Author: Dave Dishman (Page 232 of 458)

Jesus, teaching in the temple, spoke to the people gathered around him and said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

What does Jesus mean by the light of life?

Does he refer to eternal life? The Holy Spirit? Insight and clarity regarding spiritual questions? Our sinfulness? Establishing direction?

Perhaps those who follow Jesus and gain this light of life begin to see the darkness in the world as a temporary condition. Over the horizon comes into view. Truth and falsehood grow distinguishable.

All of the above, I believe.

Most gloriously, the light of life brings hope.

Where do I need the light of life found only in the illuminating person of Jesus? Where should I ask him to shine, to nourish, to infuse?

Don’t be afraid to appeal to the Lord. Because there’s no need for darkness with Jesus around.

John 8 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Jordan Wozniak

My wife and I took on a low-carb diet several weeks ago, which means we cut out many delights, including bread of any sort. The diet’s actually not too bad, and I certainly feel healthier, but I look forward to warm bread with melted butter in the future.

Jesus spoke of food that endures to eternal life, then clarified, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never go thirsty.

Immediately I think of a French bakery. Perhaps a more modern rendering would have Jesus saying I am the croissant of life, because Jesus ain’t just any old bread.

No more hunger, no more thirst—souls at rest.

After hearing this teaching from Jesus, how he’s the only way to God and following him requires resolute commitment, many of those hanging around decided to leave. Jesus asked his disciples if they wanted to leave as well.

Peter answered: Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.

Peter understood. Only Jesus, the Holy One of God, opens the door to heaven, an exclusive loaf bearing eternal life.

Other breads may pacify our hunger, but only one satisfies our soul.

John 6 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by jonathan ocampo

A common complaint about the Bible revolves around the perceived differences between the God portrayed in the Old Testament and the loving nature of Jesus in the New. On careful reading however, this dichotomy fades.

The prophet Ezekiel lays out the argument that every person lives or dies based on their own relationship with God. I don’t get a pass because my parents followed the Lord, nor are my children condemned if I join the ranks of the wicked. We each stand before the Lord on our own.

The Lord emphasized to Ezekiel—Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?

This is the wrathful God of the Old Testament speaking.

The Lord indeed takes pleasure in the man or woman who listens to his words and attempts to apply them to his or her life. He made it possible to turn from our corruption with the gift of Jesus as our mediator and savior.

Maybe a different view than we’re led to expect, which is good news from a wild-haired prophet.

Ezekiel 18 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Jan Tinneberg

The next two weekends I’ll speak to college juniors and seniors regarding life after school. Regardless of where their career takes them, I’ll share three habits to develop in order to walk with Jesus for the next 60 years, all from the life of Timothy.

Live a Spirit-filled Life

We cannot walk long with Jesus without the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote to Timothy, by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you (2 Timothy 1:14).

Living with the Holy Spirit involves talking with the Lord, asking the Spirit to indwell us, to speak and act through us. It involves paying attention when the Spirit brings conviction of sin.

It means a daily habit of asking the Holy Spirit to fill and control my life.

Live a Word-filled Life

To walk with Jesus for the next 60 years you need the Bible. All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

If all scripture is truly God-breathed, then nothing substitutes—an unwavering commitment to the Word of God is necessary to keep our faith intact.

Lousy ideas and teachings cascade all around us, from social media, television, videos, books and podcasts. Without the living and active Word of God, rubble buries our faith.

Develop the habit of reading or listening to the Bible every day. Commit to it for the rest of your life.

Now for the Synergy…

Over time you’ll start to notice how the Holy Spirit uses the Holy Scriptures to develop your soul. They go together like peas and carrots. The Spirit and the Scriptures meld together in support as you face the battles and temptations of life.

Live a People-filled Life

To walk with Jesus for the next 60 years, you need fellow believers. We need each other—I need young followers of Jesus, and they need us old folks.

Here’s a glimpse into Timothy’s relationship with Paul: You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings (2 Timothy 3:10).

Timothy persevered in the faith thanks to his friendship with Paul, along with the faith of his mother and grandmother and other committed disciples surrounding him. Good people buoy your faith.

Commit to the habit of seeking out and joining a group of vibrant Christ-followers wherever you go. Finding a good church is often hard work, so decide now to do so the rest of your life. Run with good people.

Good Ideas Make Good Habits…

If you hope to walk with Jesus for the next 60 years, you’ll need to turn good intentions into good habits by cultivating a Spirit-filled, Word-filled, and People-filled life.

Keep the faith.

Photo by Drew Beamer