Author: Dave Dishman (Page 247 of 474)

My wife and I enjoy songs from the 70’s (the golden era of rock ‘n roll). We both like the music, but my wife famously remembers almost none of the lyrics. Of course, lots of the lyrics make little sense—I’ve been through the desert on a horse with no name—so maybe she’s not missing much.

Ezekiel experienced a similar phenomenon. The Lord described those hearing his prophecies: Indeed to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays the instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.

What went into the ear failed to penetrate the heart.

Which is my problem as well. It’s one thing to read the words of God or hear them taught, but it’s another thing altogether to put them into practice. Without applying them, all I get are vapid love songs with syrupy lyrics.

Some words, like lyrics, aren’t worth remembering. But others are worth memorizing and living by and passing on to others.

Good music combines words and tune. Just like the only true way to follow the Lord is to work His words deep into your life.

Ezekiel 33 in reading the Bible cover to cover 2022

Photo by Markus Spiske

Lots of interesting people asked Jesus questions. Pharisees grilled him over and over, expecting to trip him up. But others asked out of purer motives, hoping to gain insight into a life approved by God.

One day a rich, young ruler asked Jesus, Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?

After a discussion on the commandments, Jesus replied, You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.

The young man grew sad, because he was very wealthy, the implication being that he just couldn’t part with his riches. Perhaps someday he did? I hope these words from Jesus echoed in his heart in the coming years.

I find this passage super convicting—I see myself in the rich young ruler.

Compared to the 8 billion+ people in this world, I possess a great deal of money. I own a comfortable home and two vehicles. While I’m not young, I’m young at heart (not the same, but it’s all I got), and in good health. I enjoy an education most people around the world only dream of. Opportunities exist around me, and the U.S. is still the most coveted destination to live in the world.

I’ve been given great gifts—will I trust the Lord with them? Jesus wants everything I have and everything I am. He wants me to to sell it all for him again and again—am I willing to do so?

I don’t know. I wrestle with these questions. The words of Jesus never get less challenging, and his question remains—will you sell it all for me?

Luke 18 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Vita Vilcina

This past week we got the news that Steve Douglass, past president of Cru/Campus Crusade for Christ, passed on into glory.

Hebrews 13:7 encourages us to remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

I heard a story a few years ago from one of his assistants. Steve traveled extensively in his leadership role, always flying economy and working while on the plane. With his status from so much air travel, Steve was offered a free upgrade to first class on occasion. I assumed he took the bump up to more comfortable digs.

Apparently not. His assistant explained that Steve never wanted to give the impression that he spent funds raised to fulfill the Great Commission on a first class seat for himself. Economy worked just fine.

I was impressed. I always grab the upgrade when offered (such a rare occurrence). Steve sacrificed his comfort so others wouldn’t get distracted from coming to know Jesus.

That’s impressive from a leader.

Steve Douglass’s faith left a lot to imitate, and I appreciate working in the organization he led for many years. May he enjoy his eternal reward.

Read more at Cru.org

I live in suburbia, surrounded by homes filled with neighbors. Lots of excellent neighbors, actually, some of whom have become really good friends.

When I lived in an apartment complex in college, one of my neighbors took his karaoke machine into the basement laundry room several evenings a week and practiced singing. He sounded a bit like Tony Bennett. I washed my socks in a combination laundromat/night club.

The nation of Israel endured lousy neighbors including Sidon, a wealthy city-state to the north. Ezekiel prophesied her punishment and Israel’s liberation from these neighbors:

No longer will the people of Israel have malicious neighbors who are painful briers and sharp thorns. Then they will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.

Through his acts of judgement, the Sidonians came to know the Lord is God. Also, through painful relationships with their neighbors and then deliverance, the people of Israel understood that I am the Lord their God.

The Lord works both sides of the fence. His chosen people and those who oppressed his chosen people both needed a dose of reality—understanding who controls this world—in order to turn to the Lord.

The Lord wants all to come to him and sometimes it takes a whack in the head to get our attention. But the end result remains positive, that we may come to know the Sovereign Lord.

Photo by J King