Guidance from Overlooked Men and Women of the Bible
If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.
Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.
I recently watched a 60 Minutes report on a group of billionaires, led by Warren Buffet, who have pledged to give at least half of their fortunes away during their lifetime or in their will when they pass on. You have to be impressed with their commitment and the sheer amounts of money they can give. Billions and billions of dollars to help others. You also have to be impressed with the good things that can be done with this amount of money. Things like eradicating smallpox or polio in the world, educating masses of children and helping raise millions out of abject poverty.
However, as I watched the report, I couldn’t help but think about another person who gave away all of her fortune many years ago. While Jesus and his disciples are visiting the temple in Jerusalem, Jesus watched the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He then observed a poor widow put two small copper coins. Jesus makes this comment, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
The billionaires on TV gave from their abundance, copious amounts of funds, and should be commended. They rightfully received accolades and publicity by giving in such ways. I, however, will never be in the position to give such sums of money. Which is really not the issue and not the challenge to me. It’s so huge I can’t comprehend it.
The widow’s gift is much more challenging. I also give from my wealth, not from my poverty. Yet who does Jesus point out for praise?
I just finished Movements That Change the World, by Steve Addison. It’s a fabulous book and should be required reading for anyone interested in missions. The book details spiritual movements both historically and in contemporary terms.
Addison describes 5 aspects of what contributes to a spiritual movement:
White Hot Faith
Commitment to a Cause
Contagious Relationships
Rapid Mobilization
Adaptive Methods
Here’s my favorite quote from the book:
“In the renewal and expansion of the church, the breakthroughs always occur on the fringe of ecclesiastical power – never at the center. In every generation, in some obscure place, God is beginning something new. That’s where we need to be.”
I encourage you to check it out!
One of the most encouraging books on missions that I have read for several years is this one, A Wind in the House of Islam, by David Garrison. Garrison has done extensive research on movements of Muslims turning toward Jesus over the centuries. Remarkably, this current century has seen more of these types of movements than the previous thirteen centuries combined.
Garrison’s book is filled with stories about Muslims from all over the world, or as he describes it, the nine “rooms” in the house of Islam, each representing a different geographical area where Islam in prevalent. Muslims are moving towards Jesus in every one of these “rooms” and Garrison shares stories from each.
The books closes with Garrison suggesting why God is drawing Muslims to himself today, and he shares ten bridges that God is using. He also shares suggestions for how the Christian world should respond. Especially interesting was his insight that many Muslims are turning to Jesus because they are frustrated and frightened by the violence they see in radical Islam. Jesus, the Prince of Peace and a prophet in Islam, is seen as a better alternative. What follows is that we as Christians need to continue to offer peace towards Muslims in our midst, as opposed to fear.
A Wind in the House of Islam is a great book, especially if you are interested in missions and the Muslim world.
Stories to encourage you with the leadership experiences of overlooked men and women of the Bible. Their lives will inform your story, and move you to step out and lead.
This book contains reflections on the Lordship of Christ, the Great Commission, and a life of adventure and eternal significance. Read this book and you won't be able to sit still!
I find the people of the Bible fascinating. I love digging into their stories and navigating the world guided by their wisdom. I read through the Bible every year, and always unearth something unexpected. Along with being a reader, I'm an author, teacher, traveler, husband, father and grandfather. I’ve worked in ministry for 39 years. Along with a degree in Biology, I also hold Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees. In my free time I enjoy the outdoors, working in the garden, playing golf, and reading good books.
© 2026 Dave Dishman
Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑
