Author: Dave Dishman (Page 13 of 410)

As dark clouds bloomed, my brother-in-law turned our small boat toward the dock. An afternoon of water skiing turned into a race for shelter, which we soon lost. Caught in cold, pounding rain, with visibility down to a few feet, the boat inched along. We endured a miserable and frightening journey before the shore finally appeared.

The disciples of Jesus experienced a far worse storm on a much bigger lake. While sailing overnight across the Sea of Galilee, a violent deluge arose and threatened to swamp their boat. Frightened, they sought out Jesus who somehow lay asleep in the stern. They shook him awake saying, Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?

Which is a question I’m prone to ask as well. Where is Jesus when life falls apart? God seems absent during times of stress and confusion. Visibility suffers in gusting wind and driving rain.

But Jesus stays present with us. Not asleep, but waiting for us to call out. These followers of the Way, many of whom fished for a living and knew how to handle a boat, grew desperate when their expertise proved futile. Frantic, they turned to the only person who might save their lives.

Jesus rebuked the storm with Peace! Be still! Then he turned to the disciples and asked, Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?

Like the disciples, I often carry a raft of fear but very little faith. Despite how I feel Jesus remains in the boat, waiting for me to turn around and wake him up. Not for his sake, but for my own.

Mark 4: 35-41

Photo by Frans Ruiter

One may approach the Bible with skepticism, desperation or hope. But regardless of the motivation, benefits flow to those who lay open the book and spend time within its pages.

One of my first Bible readings of this new year pointed to this verse:

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple (Psalm 19:7).

As I walk in our world I constantly need energy for my soul. Where else might this possibly be found? Not through my ubiquitous screens. But an enlivening hope emerges when I open my Bible.

On the teeter-totter of simple and wise, I’m stuck on the ground. The penetrating insights of God’s Word lift me skyward. There’s hope for forming me into a better man.

As you and I start a new year, let’s embrace a hopeful perspective. Spend time in the Good Book. Enjoy the refreshment found within, and grow in the wisdom freely offered by our amazing God.

Photo by Mitchell Leach

I have friends who have kept notes in their Bibles for years. They pour through the pages, jotting down thoughts, underlining and highlighting as they mark up the text. Their copies of the Scriptures bloom as they generate wisdom and faith.

I prefer an unmarked Bible. I hope the Holy Spirit reveals fresh insights, and I don’t want to be overly influenced by past writings. That said, I do highlight passages that penetrate my soul and move me toward the Lord. I also keep a journal handy to record thoughts, insights, and questions to investigate later.

Whatever method your choose, make a habit of opening your Bible on a daily basis. Every single day. Wear the book out. Few possessions passed down from generation to generation are more prized than a well-used Bible. Perhaps it’s not a coincidence, but many nieces and nephews, children and grandchildren remember with appreciation and fondness the lives of those who wore out their Bibles.

Every bit of time invested in these pages devoted to our amazing God pays back. As the Scriptures tell us, the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). The printed words in this physical book opens our hearts to divine realities.

Make this a year to put some wear and tear on your Bible. Your soul, and eventually those around you, will thank you.

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out

I love sitting down in the morning with a cup of coffee and reading my Bible. My wife, at the same time, puts in her earphones and listens to Scripture. Whether you read or listen (or both) it’s good to know your options, especially if you hope to create a habit that sticks.

The following are 6 of the best practices I’ve experienced as I’ve traveled through the Bible again and again:

Pick a Bible version you find engaging. I’ve read the Bible cover to cover thirty-one times, and I’ve read it all the way through in at least a dozen different versions. The King James contains beautiful, classic passages, along with loads of “thees” and “thous.” Modern versions read smoother and digest easier. Personally, I prefer the New International Version (NIV) for reading. I also regularly consult the English Standard Version (ESV); the New Living Translation (NLT); and The Message (an American language version). While I prefer reading a physical Bible, I also use both the YouVersion Bible app and the ESV Bible app on my phone.

Listen to the Bible. Like I mentioned earlier, my wife loves to listen to the Bible. She’s currently enjoying the Daily Audio Bible. For more dramatic styles, try The Bible Experience audio Bible or my favorite, Streetlights.

Choose your best time of day. I find that picking the same time every day to take in the Scriptures helps it happen. As an early riser I prefer the morning. Others opt for the quiet of late evening. For those who listen, a walk at mid-day or their work commute opens time to hear the Scriptures. Pick a time that works for you.

Select a reading plan. Some years I’ve read the Bible straight from Genesis to Revelation, and other years chronologically (skipping around through the text). The last few years I’ve followed the Five Day Bible Reading Program. I like it because the Old Testament is presented chronologically, and each day contains a New Testament passage. Best of all, you read only five days per week, leaving two extra days for catch-up. I print the plan and keep a copy in my journal.

Speaking of journals, keep one handy. I retain more from my reading when I jot impressions as I go. Plus, I’m encouraged when I look back and see what God has shown me over time. Writing helps me think and allows the Holy Spirit to work. I write in an blank, unlined journal. Nothing to distract me from my thoughts—except my other thoughts.

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your reading. Most every morning I pray this prayer from Psalm 119: Lord, open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. The Holy Spirit indwells those who follow Jesus and guides us into all truth. Entreat him to do so for you. In a mysterious yet profound combination, the Holy Spirit works with the Holy Scriptures to develop holiness in our lives.

I encourage you to make Bible reading a habit. While it may feel daunting, a little bit every day expands your trust in God. Before you know it you’ll be rooting for Moses against Pharaoh, wrestling with the teachings of Jesus, and marveling at the works of the Lord.

I pray you find a method that clicks, and enjoy your own journey through God’s Word!

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out