Author: Dave Dishman (Page 255 of 475)

I enjoy reading and spending time in books, both fiction and non-fiction. I like a good novel that keeps me up way too late. The last couple of years my wife turned me on to audible books, so I listen my way through good books as well.

The Apostle Paul enjoyed books. He grew up a scholar, studying under the leading professors of his day. Reading and writing formed his life, his persona. But over time a problem developed:

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

What thorn afflicted Paul? Probably his bad and ever-declining eyesight (see Galatians 4:15 & 6:11). What could be worse for a brilliant scholar and writer? I think of Paul as he traveled, half-blind, speaking to crowds he barely saw, dictating letters and dependent on others to read to him.

Do we all have a thorn in the flesh? (Spoiler alert—it’s not your spouse). An infirmity we cannot shake? Over time all of us experience such situations. Our bodies deteriorate. We cannot do what we once did easily. I prefer my large print Bible these days.

Paul hated his thorn, only grudgingly accepted it, yet eventually saw the Lord more clearly through his weak eyes. He watched God’s power grow and spread, resting in grace. Good perspective as I face similar circumstances.

2 Corinthians 12 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Andrey Grinkevich

It seems odd to read of the arrogant who speak defiantly against heaven and then find the Lord pouring them a glass of wine:

In the hand of the Lord is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices; he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs.

But after some investigation, I don’t want a sip.

This cup of boiling wine represents the wrath of God. I’m reminded of the grapes crushed in the great winepress of God’s wrath (Revelation 14:19); or the vintage that drove nations to staggering madness (Jeremiah 25:15-16); or the Battle Hymn of the Republic.

God’s wrath is real. It’s a hard aspect of the character of God to wrap my mind around, but God judges the wicked, both individually and as nations. Sometimes the innocent stumble in it all. I have to trust the Lord knows what he’s doing.

One thing for sure, I don’t want to be on the receiving end of this generous pour.

Psalm 75 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Roberta Sorge

Lots of boasting in our world, feels like more than ever. The overwhelming flood of narcissism flows unabated—curious where it will end.

You see this behavior in the endless selfies we post, the drive to always look good on social media, and as we signal our virtues for the proper causes. Influencers go all out to increase their platform and thus their fame and wealth.

The Lord looks at it with a yawn. Generation after generation, don’t you wonder if he gets bored with our endless circling around ourselves?

In response, the Lord provides his perspective on boasting. This is what the Lord says:

Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight.

If you followed your impressions to seek the Lord and not give up, then take pride. If you gain an inkling of understanding about the nature and ways of the Lord, then sit back and enjoy.

If you stay happy practicing kindness and living a honorable life and supporting justice, then let that be enough.

You’re on the right path—and you don’t even have to tweet about it.

Jeremiah 9 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Ben White

Years ago a kid biking down our street stopped to quiz me—you’re one of them church talkers, ain’t you? His grandparents told him I was a preacher to college students. Even if church talker sounded odd, I suppose it made more sense to the kid than preacher.

Over the years I’ve noticed that many writers I appreciate don’t necessarily make for great preachers. The Apostle Paul was accused of the same:

For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.”

Lousy preacher who droned on and on (think of Eutychus dozing off and falling out a window). Unimpressive in person. Scrawny? Ugly? High-pitched voice?

Paul’s detractors hit at his person hard—apparently an easy target. But his writings? Not so accommodating. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the words we possess of Paul’s carry a dynamism that launched the world-wide church and led billions to the Savior.

Read those words. Take them to heart. Catch the same Spirit that propelled Paul and his entourage and billions since.

If the Lord spoke through the mouth of an ass (I’d pay good money to hear that sermon), and the Lord used the pen of a broken-down prophet, he can use you and me as well.

Even if neither one of us are good church talkers.

2 Corinthians 10 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez