Pathways Press.com

Written by William Kynes, a contemporary pastor and senior fellow at the C.S. Lewis Institute.

Why would a good God allow so much suffering in the world? … The Bible declares that evil is far worse than we realize. Evil is an invader, a parasite, a rot. It’s a malignant cancer that has spread, a rupture in the cosmic order. Evil is so real that it has a personal focus — a focus in the one Jesus called the Devil — the one who stands opposed to the purposes of God and all that is good, true, and beautiful. The good material world God created has been corrupted. The root of evil in this world is not material, it is moral. It is found in rebellion against God’s good rule. And from the beginning of humanity we have all participated in that rebellion and evil is embodied in our own hearts. At the same time, the Bible affirms that God is far more loving than we could ever hope. Though God could rightly do away with us all, in His love and mercy, He seeks us out to save us from the evil in this world and from the evil in ourselves. And in the gospel, we see that God shares in our suffering even as He acts to bring victory over evil. The cross and resurrection of Jesus become God’s own response to evil in this world. God works in mysterious ways to work out His good purpose, but there is one thing He wants us to understand clearly. The struggle with evil and suffering in this fallen world is only temporary. For God has already won the decisive battle in this war, and His ultimate and complete victory is absolutely certain. And if the cross of Jesus Christ shows us that our God shares in our suffering, then the resurrection of Jesus Christ demonstrates that God’s triumph over evil is assured. Though we can never give a full explanation of evil in this world, we do have God’s response to it. At the end of this age, when Jesus comes again in glory, our God will show Himself to be fully and completely just. The Bible reveals a God Who is worthy of our trust even in the midst of our pain.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away (Revelation 21:4)

Written by Sarah Young, a contemporary author. This is an excerpt from her book “Jesus Listens.”

Sovereign God, help me to lead the life that You have assigned to me— and to be content. I need to beware of comparing my situation with someone else’s, feeling dissatisfied because of the comparison. I realize it’s also hurtful to compare my current circumstances with how things used to be or with fantasies that bear little resemblance to reality. Instead, I must make every effort to accept as my calling the life You have assigned to me. This perspective takes the sting out of painful, difficult circumstances. If You have called me to a situation, I know You’ll give me everything I need to endure it — and even to find some Joy in the midst of it. Please train my mind to trust Your sovereign ways with me — bowing before Your mysterious, infinite intelligence. I need to search for You in the details of my day, all the while looking expectantly for good to emerge from trouble. I’m learning to accept things the way they are, without losing hope for a better future. And I rejoice in the hope of Heaven, knowing that indescribably joyful Life is my ultimatecalling! In Your supremely wise Name, Jesus, Amen.

Let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. [1 Corinthians 7:17]

Written by Jennifer Slattery, a contemporary writer and speaker.

[Jesus]  didn’t want [the Apostles]  to ruminate on any rejection they experienced or all the ways they’d “failed.” That doesn’t mean the disciples fulfilled their mission perfectly. Nothing in Scripture indicates that was even a remote possibility. The Bible demonstrates, in numerous places, that they were often faithless, at times prideful and focused on elevating themselves rather than Almighty God.  They were about as perfect, or rather, imperfect, as me and you. Yet, again, He told them to “shake off the dust.” To not let the reactions of equally imperfect humans hinder their confidence or mission. Instead, they were to embrace every encounter as chosen, called and empowered children of God who carried the authority of Christ. Imagine what our lives, ministries, and impact might look like if we lived anchored in those same truths. When God presents us with a new assignment, we experience setbacks, or people don’t respond to us and our efforts as we’d hoped, what if we honestly acknowledged our errors, but did so with our souls filled with the Lord’s grace?  In other words, what if we gave God’s power and presence at work within us more emphasis than our weaknesses and mistakes? That’s not to say we shouldn’t address and learn from our blunders and flaws, but that we view them from a growth mindset and refused to carry the figurative “dust” of yesterday to thwart our obedience and calling.  

As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. [Matthew 10:12-16]

Written by Lisa Harper, a contemporary author. This is an excerpt from her book “A Jesus Shaped Life.”

Think of one of the most beautiful places you can imagine. Maybe it’s a snow-covered forest. Maybe it’s the beach. Maybe it’s a bustling city with a magnificent skyline. Now, imagine you are inside, looking out of a window at that beautiful place. If you’re in the forest, maybe you’re in a cabin, peering out at the beautiful pine trees. The window is ornate with clear glass that lets you look at every angle of that view. When you lean up against the window, you can see your soft breath on it. But the view is the breathtaking, captivating part of this experience. The view is what you’re there for. The Scriptures are like that window. They allow us to see the character and magnificence of God. They reveal to us the image of Christ. We glimpse the beauty and majesty of God, His whole heart for us, and we are compelled to seek His face. Notice, however, that the Scriptures are not in themselves God! The Scriptures illuminate Jesus for us, but they are not Jesus. They are the miraculous window through which we come to know Him more truly.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path [Psalm 119:105]

Written by Levi Lusko, a contemporary writer. This is an excerpt from his book “Blessed Are the Spiraling.”

The problem with looking to our resumes or net worth to define us is that our value goes up and down depending on our performance that day. You will feel like garbage eventually. But when it dawns on you, like it did for Paul, that in Christ you are the righteousness of God and that your value doesn’t rise and fall like the stock market, you will consider all else garbage — dung, actually — compared to the excellence of knowing Him. When that rings true in your heart, then no matter what God is calling you to do, the answer will be yes. Though it may sting in the moment, you are reselling all you have for the Treasure of knowing Him, and in the process you are being conformed to His image. If following means walking away from something, or walking toward something, you will be willing to do it because He is the prize. It isn’t what He does through you or how He blesses you. You just want Him. It’s worth it. He is the true Treasure that can make all other treasures look like trash.

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. [Philippians 3:8-9]

Written by the Lead Like Jesus team, an organization founded by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges that promotes a transformational leadership model based on following Jesus.

What does it look like for you to honor God today? Does it mean showing up and giving your best when you don’t feel like it, moving forward in faith regardless of circumstances? Does it mean giving God credit for what He is doing? Does it mean trusting that He has a plan and is working it out in and through your situation, doing what is right on behalf of those around you, even when it costs you? Does it mean turning from temptation? Honoring God has many faces. Trust Him to show you how to live to honor Him today.

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. [Psalm 50:14-15]

Written by Mark D. Roberts, a contemporary author.

Identifying Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God gives him unique authority on earth, authority over God’s people, including you and me. When we confess Jesus to be the Messiah, we are saying that he is not only the King of the Jews, but also our King. His royalty is not just a matter of theological affirmation, but also a truth that shapes every moment of our lives… All praise be to you, Jesus, because you are not just the King of Israel, and not just the King of creation, but my King. I honor you today with my words and deeds. May I live my whole life in service to you, O King. 

Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [Philippians 2:9-11]

Written by Henri Nouwen (1932-1996), a Dutch priest, professor, writer, and theologian.  This is an excerpt from his book “The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming.”

For most of my life I have struggled to find God, to love God. I have tried hard to follow the guidelines of the spiritual life – pray always, work for others, read the Scriptures – and to avoid the many temptations to dissipate myself. I have failed many times but always tried again, even when I was close to despair.  Now I wonder whether I have sufficiently realized that during all this time God has been trying to find me, to know me, and to love me. The question is not “How am I to find God?” but “How am I to let myself be found by him?” The question is not “How am I to know God?” but “How am I to let myself be known by God?” And, finally, the question is not “How am I to love God?” but “How am I to let myself be loved by God?” God is looking into the distance for me, trying to find me, and longing to bring me home.

The LORD has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. [Psalms 14:2]

Written by the Theodyssey, an organization that helps people encounter God and be radically changed by the truth of His love. This is an excerpt from their study “When We Pray.”

The most shocking part of the entire Sermon on the Mount might be the Beatitudes.  Jesus opens with, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” Poor in spirit are those who recognize they cannot secure life for themselves. They are utterly dependent on others, specifically God. For them, Jesus is King…The Lord’s Prayer reshapes what we desire and what motivates us. It trains our hearts to beat in sync with God’s. Each phrase in the prayer helps tune our hearts to the rhythms of God’s Kingdom. This tuning doesn’t happen automatically. Like adjusting the strings of an instrument, we need continual re-alignment. …The Beatitudes reveal the character of a Kingdom person – humble, merciful, pure in heart, hungry for righteousness, and poor in spirit. The Lord’s Prayer establishes a posture that sustains Kingdom life—a rhythm of dependence, forgiveness, surrender, and endurance.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [Matthew 5:3]

Written by Ken Boa, a contemporary author and founder of Reflections Ministry.

Have you ever felt betrayed by someone close to you? Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, knew this pain well. Yet, instead of seeking revenge, he extended forgiveness when the moment came. Why would Joseph, after all the suffering he endured, choose mercy over justice? Joseph’s heart was aligned with God’s purpose. He saw his circumstances not as punishment but as preparation. When he finally revealed himself to his brothers, he could have unleashed his power upon them. Instead, he recognized that God had used their betrayal to position him for greatness. What if we could see our hardships as stepping stones to something greater? Forgiveness doesn’t erase the past, but it transforms how we move forward. By forgiving his brothers, Joseph freed himself from bitterness and stepped into the destiny God had for him. How might forgiveness bring freedom to your own life? Are there grudges you’re holding onto that could be turned into growth?

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. [Genesis 50:20]