Author: Dave Dishman (Page 61 of 473)

The French Revolution of 1789 led to a reign of terror where enemies of the new regime were executed. The guillotine took the lives of thousands, including Marie Antionette, and in a macabre twist, many of the original leaders of the revolution. Once the mob is unleashed, who knows who it will consume?

Paul and Barnabus created a ruckus in Lystra when Paul healed a man crippled from birth. The crowd went wild, even proclaiming Paul and Barnabus as gods. Paul tried to quiet the crowd as he spoke of the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.

But enemies arrived and turned the throng. Snapping and snarling, throwing rocks and fists, they dragged Paul from the city and left him for dead. One minute worshipping, the next stoning. So goes the madness of crowds.

I see the mob most evident today on social media. An event whips up a fervor. A movement forms. It’s tempting to jump onboard, even if I don’t know all the details or are privy to inside information. I click to hold accountable those who need punished, without trial or testimony. It’s fun and easy to join the mob, although I often turn a bit queasy when all the facts emerge later.

Avoid the madness of crowds. There’s no future there. Turn off the social media maelstrom and go for a walk. Calm your psyche and settle your soul. Turn instead to the amazing God Paul proclaimed, who satisfies your heart with food and gladness.

Acts14:8-23

Photo by Amber Kipp

I’ve enjoyed a great deal of help in my life—parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, mentors, bosses, co-workers, spouse, authors dead and alive, pastors, friends, and on and on. It’s humbling to think back on the many people who’ve been a source of encouragement, learning and growth.

Each one of us tells a similar story. It’s good to remember that all the hands-up we receive in life originate in the Lord. David wrote: Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

You and I can personalize this in our own way—My help is in the name of the Lord.

My help as I rise in the morning.

My help in my marriage.

My help in my family.

My help in my relationships, both easy and challenging.

My help in my career.

My help in my finances.

My help in encouraging others to walk with the Lord.

My help in eating right.

My help in exercise.

My help in turning off and avoiding social media.

My help in navigating my news feed.

My help in loving those who appear unlovable.

My help in the day-to-day.

My help when my head hits the pillow.

Pause a moment and ponder—who is the source of my help? My help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 124

Photo by Claudio Schwarz

Our world reveres powerful people, be they politicians or business leaders or social media influencers. Powerful people love the limelight, traveling constantly to promote their cause and sell their products. Powerful people exude wealth, health and vibrancy. Given the choice, I’d cosy up to powerful people.

But the Scriptures share a different perspective: Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there.

Why not?

Three reasons come to mind. First, in my experience, unless you have something to offer, powerful people don’t care much about you. They may say they do, but powerful people run with other powerful people. Those of us a few rungs down aren’t so interesting.

Second, powerful people eventually lose power. Then your investment is lost. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them. The powerful pass on and their authority disburses. How influential are the presidents and leaders of only a few years ago? Faded from the collective conscience, they contribute little to the fervor of today.

Third, only the Lord holds life-changing power. The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous…the Lord will reign forever.

I’m a prisoner who needs set free. I’m blind and need to see. I’m bowed down and need help getting up. The Lord cares for you and me without concern for social position or wealth or strength. I can let powerful people do their thing, and instead cosy up to the one who will reign forever.

Psalm 146

Photo by Library of Congress of Grover Cleveland, 22nd & 24th President of the United States, and at one time the most powerful person in America—remember him?

Yesterday my doorbell rang. Waiting outside was a friendly young lady hoping to sell me on solar. I listened politely but turned down the offer. I appreciate her doing her job, but I wished I hadn’t opened my door for a sales pitch.

Most often these days the person at my door wants to sell me something. Solar panels, faster internet, lawn services. The one group I loved to find knocking doesn’t sell cookies door-to-door in our neighborhood anymore. Such a pity.

Door knocks happened in the ancient world as well. After a miraculous escape from prison, Peter headed to a home where he knew other disciples of Jesus were gathered. He rapped on the locked door.

When he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate.

Thinking Rhoda was out of her mind, or struck by an angel, the disciples hesitated. But when they finally opened the door, they saw Peter and were amazed.

Like the disciples, I hesitate to open the door of my life. Peter knocked, Jesus stands at the door and knocks (Revelation 3:20), the King of Glory knocks (Psalm 24:7). It seems the Lord knocks regularly, but I pause on the other side.

I keep my door closed at home because I want to avoid of the hassle of a salesperson. But the Lord knocks with good news. Is there an opportunity you’re mulling over? Something that feels hopeful yet uncertain? Pray and seek God’s wisdom. It’s more likely cookies than a sales pitch waiting for your attention.

Perhaps today is a good time to open the door to our amazing God.

Acts 12:12-17

Photo by Sizel C