Author: Dave Dishman (Page 51 of 390)

An ancient writer asked this question: What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?

His answer? Worship, commitment, and faithfulness.

He wrote, Truly I am your servant, Lord, I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains.

It’s popular to speak of throwing off the shackles of whatever keeps us down. For many, religion forms those chains, and empty religiosity indeed ties one up in knots. But here the writer keeps his pen centered on the Lord, not the business of religion or those who manipulate religion for their own gain.

When we focus on the Lord, we discern his goodness with slowly emerging clarity. Indeed, committing to God and his words frees us in ways rejecting him never will.

Turn to the Lord and let the chains slip away.

Psalm 116 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Anastase Maragos

As a kid I was told to keep my promises, and as a parent I passed along the same instructions. When my wife and I married we exchanged vows, pledging ourselves to a lifetime of commitment, and by the grace of God we’ve managed to follow through. But it’s not always easy.

David asked this rhetorical question: Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?

David lists several attributes of one who walks blamelessly with the Lord. A man or woman who utters neither slander nor slur (even on social media), speaks the truth, despises the vile and honors the holy. This person lends generously and keeps an oath even when it hurts.

There it is—keep your promises. When I look someone in the eye and say I’ll do it, then I’m on the hook. It’s one thing when a person talks you into something and you go along half-heartedly, but here David points to a commitment made of my own free will. Which should give pause before making a rash promise.

Keeping an oath even when it hurts involves honor. If I said I’ll show up, then I arrive on time and ready to go. If I’ve pledged to give, I follow through even if it tugs at my wallet. Integrity and honesty are at stake, as well as my reputation before God and man.

Psalm 15 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by rupixen

We can’t count on many things to last and last. Even the earth and sky will eventually wear out. Jesus pointed around him and said, Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Jesus knew something about the heavens and the earth, as he was present when they sprung into being. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. When Jesus speaks, worlds form, and when Jesus predicts, better pay attention.

Everything I touch today formed as a result of the Creator’s spoken word. The journal I write in, the keys on my computer, the yogurt I’ll enjoy for breakfast. All fashioned from our physical world, launched from God’s focused speech.

From Luke we learn that even though this natural world will pass, the words of Jesus will remain. He spoke worlds into existence, now let him speak eternal wisdom into our hearts.

Real estate often makes for a wise investment. As is said, invest in land, they ain’t making any more. But even better is investing time and energy into the words of Jesus. His teachings are fresh—living and active—and solid.

And they ain’t goin’ nowhere.

Luke 21 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Qingbao Meng

Spring is slowly arriving in Colorado. I enjoy crocus popping from the ground and trees budding into a hazy green. I’m thankful as life emerges from the long winter. All this beauty designed by our Creator.

David wrote a statement that in a few words captured God’s goodness towards us:

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”

All the good things I enjoy come from the hand of God. My wife, my family, and my friends, along with good neighbors and invaluable co-workers. Marvelous sunsets and shade on a hot summer day. A good meal—every meal in fact, which is why we bow to give thanks. It’s as if the Lord plated the food just for me and you.

David’s prayer forms a simple, yet powerful expression of gratitude. One I need to remember and express every day, because every day I enjoy gift after gift from above.

Lord, you are my Lord. Thank you for every bit of beauty and wonder and care you’ve added to my life. Remind me today that apart from you I have no good thing.

Psalm 16 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Tim Cooper