Author: Dave Dishman (Page 334 of 475)

I rarely hear the term “Soul” used these days. I work for an evangelistic ministry, and we tend to talk about reaching people, or changing lives, rather than saving souls. Perhaps it’s a result of camp meeting overuse, but I suspect it has more to do with the immediacy of the world we live in.

Soul is a slow word.

Our soul remains the deepest part of us, the spiritual or immaterial part, the immortal. Our souls search for God, even when we don’t know it, and our souls face an enemy—sinful desires wage war against our soul (1 Peter 2:11).

Peter reminds us of our souls and their one true guide through life. For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

This shepherd provides green pastures, still waters, and righteous paths. He’s a companion through death’s valley. He sets an ample table, and hands us cups filled and overflowing. This overseer restores our souls, fills us with goodness and mercy, and prepares for us an eternal place in the house of the Lord.

Of course I speak of Jesus, the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.

Though we might not talk about it much, our soul is ever-present, scarred and battling through life. Fortunately, our Shepherd and Overseer steps beside us along the way.

1 Peter 2 in week forty-one of reading the Bible cover to cover

Still waters of the Tambre River in Northern Spain

My wife and I just returned after spending 25 days in Europe. I love travel, and I especially love Europe. I enjoy walking through cathedrals, sampling new foods, and trying out my smattering of French or German or Spanish or Hungarian and seeing how people react. This trip I even pulled out a Romanian “You’re Welcome!” I learned 30-some years ago. I get a few laughs—and more than a few stares.

While I enjoy all that Europe brings, I’m never totally at home. People treat me well, I notice lots of similarities to my life here in the US, but I cannot quite settle in. Why? Because I’m a foreigner.

Peter addressed followers of Jesus scattered throughout Asia Minor as exiles. He encouraged them to live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.

My feelings from Europe mirror Peter’s statement. I enjoy the good things the Lord brings, but this world is not my home. When I feel uneasy, or not quite settled, or frustrated with the culture I inhabit, I need to remember my status as a foreigner.

I sadly left cafe con leches in Spain, chocolates in Switzerland, and stroopwafels in Holland when I returned to my comfortable home in Colorado. But even here I’m a foreigner, and I look forward to a final address in glory.

1 Peter 1 in week forty-one of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Grooveland Designs

Jeremiah lays the wood to the leaders of Judah throughout his prophetic book. He unflinchingly communicates the Lord’s anger and impending judgement on a king and court who turned away from their God.

But Jeremiah also carries words of hope. In speaking of exiles, the Lord promises to watch over them and to bring them back to their land. He promises to give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord.

In that sentence I discover a prayer directly from the mouth of the Lord. I pray for myself, my kids, my spouse, and for those around me—“Lord, give them a heart to know you.”

Then more blessings from the Lord emerge: My eyes will watch over them for good…I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. All blend together with a heart aimed toward God.

No amount of prayer on my part pulls a lever causing the Lord to act a certain way. But if I’m going to pray for those in my sphere of influence, here’s a clear word from the Lord, not a guess or a wishful idea.

A heart to know me, that I am the Lord.

Amen. May it be for you and me and those we love.

Jeremiah 24 in week forty-one of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Ümit Bulut

I pray this prayer a lot, usually when faced with a challenging decision or interacting with a difficult person. I prayed it more than once when unsure of my location while traveling overseas (i.e. lost). Of course, I prayed it often while raising kids, and I’m sure my wife prays it all the time when dealing with me.

So I was intrigued to read James’s words on wisdom—Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

A few beats later James shares a list of characteristics of wisdom. It’s worthy of a longer look, but here’s a few things that stand out to me.

Wisdom from heaven is first of all pure, impartial and sincere. When I’m making a decision, do I have ulterior motives? Am I truly after wisdom from the Lord, or am I subtly hoping to manipulate the situation toward my desired ends?

Wisdom from heaven is submissive. When considering which move to make, am I malleable in the hands of the Lord? Am I willing to listen to wise people? Might I change direction based on any of this feedback?

Wisdom from heaven is full of mercy. A reminder of the definition of mercy—compassion or forgiveness toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm. No part of me naturally leans toward mercy. I desperately need wisdom from the Holy Spirit when mercy is called for.

Lord, give me wisdom!

For as long as I draw breath this prayer will pass my lips. I’m grateful to James for insight into how my prayer might actually look when answered.

James 3 in week forty-one of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Cherry Laithang