Author: Dave Dishman (Page 240 of 458)

I use the expression “knock on wood,” without thinking about it. As in, “I’m sure we have enough gas to make it to the next exit, knock on wood.” Unfortunately, rapping the plastic wood on the dashboard never seems to overcome my poor planning.

The phrase actually derives from the Celts, who lived in ancient Europe, painted their bodies blue and worshipped trees (much like present day Boulder). Knocking on wood woke up the spirits to come to their aid. Funny how this expression persists in our lexicon.

The Jews of ancient Jerusalem persisted in a habit adopted from their neighbors, who avoided stepping on the threshold when entering a place of worship. This derived from an incident long past where the Lord showed his power over the Philistine god Dagon, by miraculously busting up the idol and laying its head and hands on the threshold. No serious Dagon-worshipper ever stepped on a threshold again.

To the shame of many in Israel, they adopted the habit of stepping over the threshold when they appallingly embraced the worship of Dagon.

The prophet Zephaniah points out their error: On (the day of the Lord’s sacrifice) I will punish all who avoid stepping on the threshold, who fill the temple of their gods with violence and deceit.

The Lord proved the hollowness of such worship again and again, but people persisted in turning away from the Lord towards safer, shinier gods.

My heart is no different. Safer, shinier gods pop up all around. These gods I can manipulate and control, pulling my hope and trust. But like Dagon, they exist as a hollow shell.

Today—as an act of worship—I’ll step on every threshold and I won’t knock on any wood. I don’t need the spirits of the trees when the Spirit of the Living God lives within me.

Zephaniah 1 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by veeterzy

Ever been around a refreshing group of people? Folks who lean in and ask questions, who encourage and want your best? Connecting with such people is truly a gift.

Paul sent his emissary Titus to the Corinthians and wrote of the reception, his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. Part of this refreshing came with an easing of mind for Titus. The Corinthian church dealt with lots of junk, Paul laid the wood to them more than once, and Titus served as messenger.

How did these yo-yoing church members become so refreshing? At least one part of their conversion from self-centered to other-focused involved wrestling with their issues. Paul wrote them a difficult letter—which to their great credit they took to heart.

For you became sorrowful as God intended…Godly sorrow bring repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret…See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.

Rather than complaining about Paul’s lack of understanding, the folks in Corinth leaned into his painful letter. With the Lord’s help, they moved from VDP status (Very Draining People) to ones who surprisingly gave lift to a delighted and relieved Titus.

I hope I’m a refreshing person to be around. To do so, I have to wrestle with the junk the Lord points out—my self-centeredness mostly. But if the cantankerous Corinthians can get there, then hope exists for me as well.

2 Corinthians 7 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Gaelle Marcel

God loves everyone, of that there is no doubt. He sent his son as a sacrifice for our sins. God causes it to rain on the just and the unjust. God loves each one of us, even those who don’t love him back.

But God differentiates between love and favor. Here’s how the Lord communicated favor through Isaiah his prophet:

These are the ones I look on with favor; those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.

While God loves you no matter what, God shows preference to those who walk humbly with Him, who take his words to heart. To this group God extends kindness in different and deeper ways.

A good prayer? Lord, reveal areas of pride in my life that displease you, and root your words into my life. Then I might experience your favor.

Love and favor—fascinating to ponder the difference as I consider the mysterious ways of the Lord.

Isaiah 66 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Illiya Vjestica

Bindweed roils my peaceful gardening soul. It grows prolifically, snaking along the ground and climbing up the stalks of other flowers. Removing bindweed is a pain due to how tightly it wraps around its host. It’s hard to spot, and so I only notice when it proudly opens its dainty white flowers on top of the plants I prefer.

In Paul’s role as an ambassador for Christ, he pressed everyone to be reconciled to God. Paul spoke with urgency, communicating the need to commit. He knew how a message stagnates when left unattended, and like bindweed, the world ensnarls the gospel imperative. Paul said it this way:

As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Don’t let the message of God sit idle. A person can receive God’s grace in vain. We can ignore it, or fail to act upon it, or live our lives as if grace means nothing to us. The longer we lay it aside, the more we bury it under other concerns.

Now is the time. This means something different for each of us, but today the Lord has something for you and for me. Ask the Lord what it might be. Don’t put seeking the Lord off until tomorrow—don’t let bindweed entangle your relationship with Him.

2 Corinthians 6 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Bindweed photo by Leslie Saunders