Author: Dave Dishman (Page 352 of 459)

The rapidly growing church (see Acts 6) faced a problem. Certain widows missed out on the daily dispersion of food. No small issue, for these women suffered already, and the indignity of being ignored by the very people who claimed to love them hurt them and the new church’s reputation.

The disciples took action, and appointed a group of men to lead and work out the daily regimen of food distribution.

I’m impressed with the disciples decision to add leaders to their mix. The widows posed a significant problem at a tentative time. The disciples easily might have shifted their responsibilities and shouldered this new burden, working harder and longer. It’s risky to trust young leaders.

But trust they did. The disciples entrusted good people with a major problem, passed on their blessing and authority, removed their hand of control, and let these new leaders go to it.

The result? The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.

I wonder, who might I help flourish in their leadership and how might I do so?

Week sixteen of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger

A unique phrase describes Samuel as he matured from a boy to a young man under the tutelage of Eli – Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.

What does this mean?

The New Living Translation renders the Hebrew phrase as Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable.

Samuel’s words proved reliable. Not that he preached brilliantly and delighted audiences, but that Samuel spoke accurately and truthfully. Samuel developed into a trusted, proven prophet of the Lord.

I’m encouraged to read Samuel’s story. Dedicated at birth by a mother desperate for a child, raised from boyhood in a temple surrounded by priests, addressed directly by the Lord at an early age, and due to this reliability, confirmed as a prophet.

The Lord prepared Samuel to lead Israel well before his birth.

I wonder, what pieces are moving into place as the Lord prepares the way for his next yet-to-be-born leader?

I Samuel 3:19 in week sixteen of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Kane Reinholdtsen

The author agonizes in Psalm 120, Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. Today’s Bible readings sandwich this prayer with brazen examples of lies and deceit.

Hophni and Phinehas served as priests to the Lord. Scoundrels, they stole sacrificial meat for themselves, and slept with women serving in the temple. God condemned their actions and brought them to an early demise. Their violations weave through I Samuel 1-4.

A breathtaking example of the Lord’s response to lying occurs in Acts 5. Ananias and Sapphira chose to lie about proceeds from property they sold and presented to the burgeoning Jesus movement.

They chose poorly.

Caught in the lie, one after the other collapsed and died at the feet of Peter, having not lied just to human beings but to God.

Does God take lying seriously? Apparently. Or to use a crude, more expressive phrase, No sh*t, Sherlock.

The sons of Eli used their priestly roles to abuse people seeking to worship the Lord. Ananias and Sapphira used their money to exalt themselves in front of people seeking to follow the Lord. Like a mother bear with her cubs, menace exists for those who get between sincere people and the Lord they seek.

Rather than put obstacles in the way, my role is to help those seeking the Lord move closer and deeper.

No lie.

Week sixteen of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Toa Heftiba

One aspect of newly discovered faith that bubbles up in people is generosity. The believers in the early church immediately started giving to others. Spontaneous and natural, as God influenced their lives, they began to notice and respond to the needs of others. No one told them to do so.

I know several generous givers. These folks give expansively of their finances, but I also notice they give generously of their time, their influence and their expertise. Generosity seems to flow from their lives, like water from a spring.

Generous people attract friends. Some might take advantage of their generosity, but many more enjoy the good nature and freedom from scarcity generous people bring to those around them.

Personally, generosity doesn’t come natural. I need the prodding of the Holy Spirit, and I need this example from the believers in Acts. I pray for a generous spirit, and I’m ever grateful for the many, many generous people in my life.

Acts 4 in week sixteen of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Elaine Casap