Author: Dave Dishman (Page 36 of 451)

In speaking to a group of church members, Paul quoted a line from Jesus passed down by his disciples—It is more blessed to give than to receive.

This may be the most repeated sound bite of Sunday School teachers over the years, along with sit down and don’t touch your neighbor. Do you remember when you first heard these words? I certainly don’t, but I got the message often and from a variety of sources. Unfortunately, I don’t hear it enough these days and it bears repeating.

Paul shared the verse in regards to helping those who were lacking in their community. Through the centuries followers of Jesus applied this teaching in myriads of situations. I also need to give, and do so without strings or expectations. It’s good both for me and the receiver of my gift.

In today’s high-tech age with all our possessions and conveniences and entertainments and foods to eat, the truth remains. It truly is more blessed to give than to receive.

Acts 20:35

Photo by Nichika Sakurai

After a long ministry trip I sat in a window seat as the plane approached Denver. From my perch I watched a dense bank of clouds rolling over the mountains. Forecasters predicted a heavy storm with significant snowfall. Then the intercom crackled. The pilot announced that conditions were too dangerous to land and we were being diverted south. Instead of spending the snowy night in my warm house with wife and kids, I joined a couple hundred other stranded passengers in a cold hotel in Colorado Springs.

So go the indignities of travel. Over the years I’ve been delayed or stuck due to blizzards, ice storms, tornadoes, thunderstorms, mechanical issues, airline strikes and Covid-19. Once I waited a couple hours because the first class cabin didn’t have enough cutlery.

The apostle Paul traveled constantly, often under dangerous conditions. While on his way to Rome the captain risked a late season run across the Mediterranean. With no forecaster to tell them to divert, the ship ran into a major storm. But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. The uncontrollable vessel danced with the storm for 14 days, finally running aground on Malta with no loss of life. The Lord spared Paul and the passangers, but the ship and its cargo were lost.

Why would the Lord allow Paul, on a journey to carry the gospel to the capital of the world and appeal to Caesar, to be diverted by a storm? Wasn’t his mission vital to the growth of the faith? Couldn’t the Lord create calm seas and advantageous winds? Of course he could. But life doesn’t happen that way, even for the greatest missionary in history.

Nature is not concerned with the importance I place on my work. Neither is nature concerned with me spending nights in uncomfortable hotels (at least I got a room). Taking for granted every convenience, I forget the dominance of natural forces. This is our Father’s world, and sometimes this world reminds me its power—a mere glimmer of the authority and strength of its Creator.

Acts 27

Photo by Mark kassinos

It’s tempting to hold a grudge when someone does me wrong. But grudges metastasize into resentments that rot the soul. Bitter old people abound, most of whom hold onto wrongs they experienced long ago.

The Lord, on the other hand, never seems to hold a grudge. He disciplines and corrects, guiding his followers when we go astray. On top of that he grants fresh starts.

David took Bathsheba from her bath, got her pregnant and then ordered her husband killed. The child born from this corrupt liaison died, because David utterly scorned the Lord. God put the death squarely on David. But after all the scandal and pain, God did something unexpected—he blessed their next child.

Then David comforted his wife, Bathsheba, and went in to her and lay with her, and she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. And the Lord loved him and sent a message by Nathan the prophet. So he called his name Jedidiah (Jedidiah means beloved of the Lord).

David paid for the hookup with Bathsheba for years. Others in his orbit suffered as well. But the second child got a fresh start. Solomon couldn’t help how his parents got together. Despite the father’s wrongdoings, God granted a fresh start to the next generation.

All of us inherit issues from our parents, grandparents and family, and each of us will pass issues on to our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. No family is immune to handicaps of one form or another. But the Lord pours out his grace again and again, granting reprieves and fresh starts, for generation after generation of those who seek him.

2 Samuel 12

Photo by Jon Tyson

I was back in my hometown this week and noticed several changes since I last visited. For a local, change occurs gradually. But an occasional visitor like myself finds new construction surprising. While changes occur at their own pace, the perception of suddenness shifts with the viewer.

Brought from his cell, Paul laid out the case for the Christian faith before King Agrippa. The king found the arguments fascinating, and Paul’s insistence on the claims took Agrippa back. He asked, In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?

Paul replied, Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.

I know people who came to faith after years of first ignoring, then wondering, and finally searching for God. Others hear the good news about Jesus and immediately turn to follow him. We don’t always know where a person stands in that continuum.

Regardless, I can confidently speak of his life and death and resurrection, along with my experience concerning Jesus. Some will be as Agrippa and turn away. Others ponder words about Jesus, and still more embrace the faith. Whether short or long, many still choose to follow our amazing Savior.

Acts 26:28-29

Photo by Aron Visuals