Dave Dishman

Over the last couple of years I conducted research on the topic of Telling Your Story. Specifically, helping professors and graduate students communicate their story of faith in light of their field of discipline. Why did a biologist decide to follow Jesus? How does the study of economics undergird belief? What helps an expert in the field of artificial intelligence see the Lord more clearly?

As you might guess, those in academic fields hold fascinating stories of faith. Many students wonder why their professor, a man or woman dedicated to research and deep learning (in other words, a really smart person) would choose to surrender their life to Jesus? Students are desperate for answers, and instructors who explain their story of faith often find willing listeners.

Peter encouraged all those who follow Jesus to be ready to tell their story. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

Our stories matter. I might think my story of coming to faith in Jesus is boring or not dramatic enough. No sex, drugs or rock and roll were involved. But explaining how the God of the Universe revealed himself carries no hint of bland. Like snowflakes, every story is unique, and every account points to the unmatched grace of God. Don’t be afraid to tell your story—someone around you needs to hear it.

1 Peter 3 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez

Every Friday, around 3 am, a delivery of fresh milk arrives at our door. The milkman (or milkwoman, I’m never awake to see), leaves cold glass bottles in a cooler on our porch. My wife and I both enjoy milk, and this is some of the best I’ve ever tasted. One swallow and I was hooked. After arriving home from a long trip I always crave a swig of this fresh from the dairy treat.

Peter encouraged followers of Jesus to yearn for milk as well. Like newborn babes, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

These youthful followers of Jesus needed the unadulterated truth of God’s Word to grow healthy and strong. The teachings of Jesus and the Prophets scoured malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander—the ways of the world—from their souls.

A diet of heavy meats and strong alcohol corrupts the body. A regime of social media and self-centered philosophies corrupts the soul. Even knowing this to be true, it’s hard to turn away.

So lacking willpower of my own, I ask God to shift my cravings. Then I might choose pure spiritual milk, the healthier option for my soul.

1 Peter 2 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Kim Leary

I’m fresh from an eye exam (I’ve been wearing glasses since college so this is nothing new). The doctor showed me blurry marks on the wall that magically transformed into letters of the alphabet when the correct lens was placed in front of my eyes. Astounding clarity emerged with the proper equipment to help my eyes focus.

Peter helped young believers scattered through parts of the Middle East find the focal points of their faith. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

Those who follow Jesus experience clarity as we move towards a hope that neither rots or fades. The ability to love one another emerges, not merely in surface ways, but with depth of empathy and care.

This renewal comes through the unleashed word of God. Living and active, his words take root and bring change. Indeed, Peter continues with a quote from Isaiah: All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.

Any turn to the Lord involves a change in lenses. A believer appeals to the Lord for salvation. Love for others grows and commitment to truth blossoms. God, His word, and the people around us. These things last forever, and form the focal points of our faith.

1 Peter 1 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Quincy Follweiler

Hank Williams, the renowned country music singer, wrote and performed the classic tune Your Cheatin’ Heart. One verse goes:

Your cheatin’ heart will pine someday
And crave the love you threw away
The time will come when you’ll be blue
Your cheatin’ heart will tell on you

The prophet Jeremiah expressed a similar sentiment: The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Then Jeremiah shared this declaration from God: I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.

I’m not sure if Jeremiah had a girlfriend in mind when he wrote about the treachery of the human heart, but we all recognize the sentiment. Our hearts betray us. Purity eludes us. Realizing the Lord ferrets around in the depths of my heart only makes matters worse. As old Hank crooned, your cheatin’ heart will tell on you.

Thankfully, the one who searches is also the one who heals. Jeremiah begged, Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.

There’s no hiding my cheatin’ heart. But if I turn in humility and need, the Lord will return the love I threw away.

Jeremiah 17 in Through the Bible in 2024