Author: Dave Dishman (Page 63 of 451)

When I was a kid we played hide and seek outside in the dark. I discovered that I could hide in the shadows and not be seen, even when other kids galloped by close enough to grab. The dark was a lot of fun, and we ran around in it for hours. But I remember the pleasure of returning to the light, whether that of a campfire or a warm kitchen.

Outside of the beauty of nature, darkness holds little appeal these days. Too much darkness seeps through this world, infecting relationships and sickening minds. Fortunately, we know one source of unending light. John wrote, God is light; in him is no darkness at all. Paul tells us of God’s kingdom of light, and indeed that God dwells in unapproachable light.

Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light, trying to mimic the Lord and lead his faithful down shadowy paths. But the sham only carries so far, because the light of Jesus shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Jesus is the light of all mankind. No shadow exists black enough to overwhelm. No need for loss, no reason for fear. Far more powerful than the sun he created, the light of Jesus never goes out, never fades, never grows cold. His light blazes to the ends of the earth and to the culmination of time.

Wearied by the shadow world? Perhaps it’s time to look up, and return to the pleasures of the light.

1 John 1 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Ivan Rohovchenko

What is truth?

Pilate famously shot this question at Jesus before condemning him to the cross. Indeed, we all wrestle with truth and falsehoods. Today more than ever, as questions about artificial intelligence and genders assigned at birth roll through society. How do we discern what’s true?

Fortunately for the one who follows Jesus, a guide exists. Jesus told his disciples, when the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.

A few minutes later Jesus added, I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.

Who is the Advocate, this Spirit of truth? Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit, the third member of the Trinity, who indwells every follower of Jesus. The Holy Spirit works graciously, often with a light touch. We can easily ignore his messaging, or allow the cacophony of the world to drown it out.

For this reason Jesus prayed for those who follow him, sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. God’s Word, the Good Book, the Bible available in print, digital and audio, forms the bedrock for truth.

The Holy Spirit works in tandem with the Holy Scriptures. They go together like peas and carrots. Read the Word and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into truth, and see where the Lord takes you.

John 15, 16 & 17 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Tina Dawson

Authors write books for different reasons. Some explain a difficult concept, others reveal a mystery, and still more just want to tell a good story. John, the author of the gospel bearing his name, accomplished all three.

John clearly stated the purpose of his book. After teasing his readers by letting us know that Jesus performed loads of other miracles not covered in his accounting, John wrote that his recorded stories are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

When I come across a person who is interested in knowing more about Jesus, or questioning the topic of religion, or doubting whether God exists at all, I encourage them to read the gospel of John. When I doubt my faith, I read the gospel of John. When I wonder where God is hiding, I read the gospel of John. When the world seems lost in darkness, I read of the light found in the gospel of John.

I find it helpful to pray before reading. Lord, show yourself as I read. Holy Spirit, open my eyes to the wonderful realities written here, and help me experience the amazing Savior found in these pages.

Whether it’s our first time through this marvelous book, or we pore over a well-thumbed text, may our Messiah, the Giver of Life, meet us afresh.

John 20 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Patrick Fore

A survivor, Daniel lived in exile far from his homeland. He experienced invasion, conquest, and the deaths of friends and family. As he endured his difficulties, Daniel prayed.

Daniel prayed for his fellow exiles. He also lifted up the ruined city of Jerusalem and its desolated sanctuary, now lying in ruins.

But the manner in which Daniel prayed intrigues me. He neither demanded his rights as a member of the chosen race, or scolded God for punishing so severely. Instead, Daniel appealed for mercy.

Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act!

This seems the single necessary component for my prayers. I did nothing to inherit life, nor anything to deserve the Lord’s goodness. As much I I might believe in myself, or pout and stamp my feet, he’s under no obligation to respond to my requests.

But in his mercy, God might do so. So pray for mercy. Ask for grace. Request compassion. Make a habit of praying this ancient petition daily, even several times a day: Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.

Pray from your heart. Pray often, pray for what you need, and pray for what you want. But most of all, pray for mercy from our gracious and forgiving God.

Daniel 9 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Jacob Bentzinger