Pathways Press.com

MEDITATION:

Written by Max Lucado, a contemporary pastor, author, and speaker. This is an excerpt from his book “He Chose the Nails.”

What do you say we have a chat about graveclothes? Sound like fun? Sound like a cheery topic? Hardly. Make a list of depressing subjects, and burial garments is somewhere between IRS audits and long-term dental care. No one likes graveclothes. No one discusses graveclothes. Have you ever spiced up dinner-table chat with the question, “What are you planning to wear in your casket?” Most folks don’t discuss graveclothes. The apostle John, however, was an exception. Ask him, and he’ll tell you how he came to see burial garments as a symbol of triumph. He didn’t always see them that way. A tangible reminder of the death of his best friend, Jesus, they used to seem like a symbol of tragedy. But on the first Easter Sunday, God took clothing of death and made it a symbol of life. Could he do the same for you? Could he take what today is a token of tragedy and turn it into a symbol of triumph?

We all face tragedy. What’s more, we’ve all received the symbols of tragedy. Yours might be a telegram from the war department, an ID bracelet from the hospital, a scar, or a court subpoena. We don’t like these symbols, nor do we want these symbols. Like wrecked cars in a junkyard, they clutter up our hearts with memories of bad days. But could God use such things for something good? How far can we go with verses like Romans 8:28 that says, “In all things God works for the good of those who love him”? Does “everything” include tumors and tests and tempers and terminations? John would answer yes. John would tell you that God can turn any tragedy into a triumph, if only you will wait and watch. Could I challenge you with a little exercise? Remove the word everything from the verse and replace it with the symbol of your own tragedy. In hospital stays God works for the good. In divorce papers God works for the good. In a prison term God works for the good. If God can change John’s life through a tragedy, could it be he will use a tragedy to change yours?

PRAYER:

Written by Carla Harding, a contemporary Christian author.

Jesus, open my eyes to perceive You, realign my mind to believe You, and reawaken my heart to receive You, now and throughout the day to come. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

The Purpose In The Pain: Matt Hybarger.  Written by Matt Hybarger in 2015.
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MEDITATION:

Written by Celeste Bailey.

Relying on God’s Word in the midst of chaos, adversity, fear, and uncertainties has always been a source of hope and strength in my life. I was blessed to have the opportunity to be discipled by the Navigators when I was 16 years old. Part of the discipleship program was to memorize scripture. I kept about 60 Bible verses in a small packet that I carried with me everywhere. These verses helped me navigate through many hardships. These included: fleeing from a civil war, navigating through a new way of life in a country foreign to me, and many other extremely difficult decisions. I am reminded of the story of Peter in the Gospel of Matthew walking on water towards Jesus. When he saw the wind, he was afraid and began to sink. It is only when he took his eyes away from his source of strength and comfort that he began to sink. Cares of the world, anxieties, and dread are consequences of not abiding in Him. During this season of lent, let’s encourage one another to make every effort to be still and abide in Him, trusting in the precious promises He gave to us through Scripture.

PRAYER:

Written by Thomas A Kempis (1380-1471) was the author of “The Imitation of Christ”, one of the most popular and best-known Christian books on devotion.

O God, You Who are the truth, make me one with You in love everlasting. I am often wearied by the many things I hear and read, but in You is all that I long for. Let the learned be still, let all creatures be silent before You; do You alone speak to me.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Be Still My Soul: Eclipse 6.  Written in German in 1752 by Lutheran hymnwriter Katharina Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel and translated to English in 1855.  The hymn is sung to the tune Finlandia by Sibelius, a national song of Finland.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Valerie E. Hess, a contemporary author, speaker, and musician. This is an excerpt from her book “Spiritual Disciplines Devotional.”

Abraham Lincoln is quoted as saying, “Most people are about as happy as they choose to be.” We all know people who choose not to be happy. They are the ones at the family gatherings who, no matter how nice the event is, always find something wrong with it. Or they can never be fully happy or healthy despite the goodness surrounding them. Their little bit of complaining yeast can really work to dampen or even wreck an event for others.

In the discipline of celebration, we choose to be happy. Not in a naïve, optimistic kind of frothiness, but in a deep place in our spirits. We know that we can keep the festival because Christ, the Passover lamb, has been sacrified, and everything will ultimately come out as it should in the kingdom of God.  The analogy here is the anchor sunk into the bottom of the ocean, holding firmly despite the hurricane raging around the ship on the surface. This is where celebration becomes a discipline: we are making choices for life and goodness and wholeness in every situation of every day. And that is not always a natural choice to make. It takes practice and training, as do all the other good things in life.

PRAYER:

Written by Karen Moore, a contemporary Christian author.

Lord, for all those who don’t yet know Your mighty and powerful love, please help them find you. Pour out your mercy on their hearts and kindle the flame of faith in a new and passionate way into their spirits. As they walk toward You, Lord even a little bit, run toward them as the Father did in the story of the Prodigal son and bring them back home again to celebrate in great joy. May your light shine on in their hearts and minds forever. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Blessed Assurance: Alan Jackson.  Written in 1873 by blind hymn writer Fanny Crosby to music written in 1873 by Phoebe Knapp. The song reflects Crosby’s walk of faith, as expressed in Philippians 1:21.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Sarah Young, a contemporary American author. This is from the Jesus Calling Devotional Bible.

Living in dependence on Me is the way to enjoy abundant life. You are learning to appreciate tough times, because they amplify your awareness of My presence. Tasks that you used to dread are becoming rich opportunities to enjoy My closeness. When you feel tired, you remember that I am your Strength; you take pleasure in leaning on Me. I am pleased by your tendency to turn to Me more and more frequently, especially when you are alone.

When you are with other people, you often lose sight of My Presence. Your fear of displeasing people puts you in bondage to them, and they become your primary focus. When you realize this has happened, whisper My Name; this tiny act of trust brings Me to the forefront of your consciousness, where I belong. As you bask in the blessing of My nearness, My life can flow through you to others. This is abundant life!

PRAYER:

Written by Mother Marie de Laroche (1812-1857) a French noblewoman who became the co-foundress of the Sisters of Divine Providence. La Roche University is named in honor of her.

Visibly do I see in all things the wonderful Providence of God; may my trust be ever firmer and simpler.

May we be ever filled with joy and thanks toward the most excellent and best of Father.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Lean on the Everlasting Arms: Michael Eldridge.  Written by Elisha Hoffman and Anthony Showalter in 1887. It is based on Deuteronomy 33:27.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Mary Anne Whittier/Johansen

Saying prayers at bedtime is a habit many Christians practice. I have also found it soothing to repeat the books of the Bible, and the USA states and presidents.  I like to use my ten fingers to help me to remember, perhaps the way the Incas used the knots in a cord to recall complicated messages. The Nicene Creed of AD 381 has ten sentences.  Four begin with “We believe”.  The Apostles’ Creed, AD 390 uses “I believe”.  The split between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Church finally resulted in the great Schism of 1054. Today, rather than the nature of the trinity, churches split over same sex marriage, support of Israel, and numerous political positions which seem to become a “religion” for their adherents.  Memorization requires attention to detail.  I especially like the Holy Spirit as “the giver of life” and the references to scripture. “WE believe, acknowledge, look for” gives me a comfortable sense of community.   “Light from Light”, feeds my soul. We count our blessings. But memorizing the Nicene Creed has been a wonderful help in staying connected to God.  

PRAYER:

Our prayer today will be the Nicene Creed, one of creeds in the Presbyterian Book of Confession.

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Nicene Creed. The Nicene Creed in Latin Chant.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Carla Harding, a contemporary Christian author and director for 24-7 Prayer across Great Britain.

God’s plan for humanity was always community. But the messy reality is that things don’t always go to plan. Relationships become fractured, even broken. The challenge when this happens is that Jesus doesn’t just kindly suggest it could be a good idea to fix them. He commands it as a prerequisite of my worship. My heart cannot be reconciled to God unless it is reconciled with others. How is my heart today? Am I holding any bitterness, negativity, or unforgiveness toward someone I know? Where is there division in my community? Is there bitterness, negativity, or unforgiveness within my family, among friends, or between racial or religious groups?

Jesus says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” [Matthew 6:14-15].  Challenging words!  Jesus suggests that there is a connection between my willingness to let go of offence and the desire to punish others, and in my openness to receive God’s gift of forgiveness and see more clearly who He is.  Jesus’ kingdom vision is a community who are collectively pursuing purity of heart through confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

PRAYER:

Written by Carla Harding, author of today’s meditation.

God, I am so thankful that Your vision for reconciliation is so much bigger and more beautiful than my own. Today, I invite You to transform my relationships and community for your glory. Purify my heart so that I can, “bear with others and forgive…as You have forgiven me.”

MUSIC MEDITATION:

A Heart That Forgives. Kevin LeVar.  Written by Kevin LaVar in 2008.

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MEDITATION:

Written by John Wesley (1703-1791), an English cleric, theologian, and evangelist. He led a revival movement within the Church of England known as Methodism. This is an excerpt from “The Classics of Western Spirituality” series.

Get these three Principles fixed in your hearts: that Things eternal are much more considerable than Things temporal; that Things not seen are as certain as the Things that are seen; that upon your present choice depends your eternal lot. Choose Christ and his ways, and you are blessed forever; refuse, and you are undone forever.

PRAYER:

From the Gregorian Sacramentary, a 10th century illuminated Latin manuscript ascribed to Gregory 1.

O God, the Protector of all that trust in You, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy, increase and multiply upon us Your mercy; that, You being our Ruler and Guide, we may so pass through things temporal that we finally lose not the things eternal. Grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake our Lord. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

My Worth Is Not In What I Own. Keith and Kristyn Getty.  Words and music written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty and Graham Kendrick in 2014.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Douglas MacLeod, a contemporary pastor and author.

In 2018 a team of boys in Thailand were dramatically res­cued after being trapped for weeks in a cave. But one brave rescuer died in the process. As a trained Navy Seal, the man who died was well aware that the rescue mission was dangerous—and he did it anyway, along with the other rescuers. Jesus begins to teach his disciples what lies ahead—that he must suffer and be killed and then rise again—and Peter finds this mission to be harsher than expected. Jesus also begins to teach what it means to follow him. It is not about adopting a set of theological statements, signing a membership contract, or living by a moral code—although those can be good things. It is about sharing the good news that Jesus is Lord and is the only way to salvation. It’s about knowing that this path can be dangerous—and doing it anyway. In The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote that a disciple focuses only on Jesus and not “the road which is too hard for us. . . . He leads the way; keep close to him.” In the Jewish tradition of following a rabbi (teacher) and going everywhere he went, the saying was “May you be covered in his dust.” That’s the effect of spiritual tailgating! As disciples, we are called to walk the challenging path of discipleship. And Jesus will always be right there with us.

PRAYER:

Written by Jerome (347-420), a Latin Catholic priest, confessor, theologian and historian.  He translated most of the Bible into Latin.’

 Lord, You have given us Your Word for a light to shine upon our path; grant us so to meditate on that Word, and to follow its teaching, that we may find in it the light that shines more and more until the perfect day; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Follow Me. David Kauffman. Written by David Kauffman and based on Luke 9:57-68.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Richard Foster, a contemporary author and founder of Renovare, an interchurch movement committed to the renewal of the church. This is an excerpt from his book “Freedom of Simplicity.”

Silence frees us from the need to control others. One reason we can hardly bear to remain silent is that it makes us feel so helpless. We are accustomed to relying upon words to manage and control others. A frantic stream of words flows from us in an attempt to straighten others out. We want so desperately for them to agree with us, to see things our way. We evaluate people, judge people, condemn people. We devour people with our words. Silence is one of the deepest disciplines of the spirit simply because it puts the stopper on that.

PRAYER:

Written by Asheritah Ciuciu, a contemporary author, speaker, and founder of One Thing Alone Ministries.

 Oh Lord, You know my heart better than I know it myself. You know my struggles and You hold each hope and fear in Your caring hands. Teach me, LORD, to be still and to know that You are God. You are in Your holy temple; let all the earth, including my mind and heart, be silent before You, resting in Your sovereignty. Like Elijah, teach me to wait for Your still, small voice and quiet the earthquakes and blazing fires in my life. Replace my restless doing with inner calm, and help me, like Mary, to sit at Your feet in quiet adoration even if there are a million things clamoring for my attention. Just as You spoke over the tumultuous sea and storms, so speak over my heart Your shalom. “Peace. Be still,” You said to them, and immediately they quieted. Teach my heart to cease striving and to know– to yada, to have an intimate and deep, personal, first-hand experience–that You are God. Help me cultivate a quiet heart, like a baby content in its mother’s arms, no longer coming to You with a “gimme” spirit but instead calmly nestling against Your heart. Help me find quietness and happiness in intimate communion with You. You will be exalted over all the earth, and You’ve got the details of my day covered. I can rest in You. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Sacred Silence. Tom Booth.  Written by Tom Booth in 2003.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Peggy Stackle.

Fasting has not been a discipline of the Presbyterian denomination. But other traditions associate fasting with the season of Lent.  Here’s a little history of the practice from the Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church: “Fasting, which was rigorously practiced in Judiasm and by the disciples of St. John the Baptist, was recommended by Christ both by example and teaching.  It was observed by the Apostles and in the early Church regular weekly fast days soon developed.  The fast of Lent…lasted originally only two days. During the early centuries the observance of the fast was very strict.  Only one meal a day, taken towards evening, was allowed, and fleshmeat and fish, and in most places also eggs and lacticinia (foods made from milk) were absolutely forbidden.  From the 9^th century onwards the in the West, the practice began to be considerably relaxed.  The hour for breaking the fast was gradually anticipated to three o’clock in the afternoon, and by the 15^th century it had become the general custom even for religious to eat at noon.  By the Apostolic Constitution Paenitemini (1966) in the Roman Catholic Church the obligation to fast was restricted to the first day of Lent and Good Friday.”

A coworker of mine was a Chaldean and in that tradition they fast regularly.  There is a soup/drink that they have on fast days.  It will never make the 100 best recipes on anybody’s list.  It was a relief when she told me that those over 50 are not required to fast.  It gets into too many health issues.  If you are motivated to try fasting for Lent, it’s best to check with your doctor first. “As a penitential practice, fasting is designed to strengthen the spiritual life by weakening the attractions of sensible pleasures.  The Lord Himself coupled it with prayer, and in the lives of the saints the two almost always go together.”

PRAYER:

Written by Henri Jozef Nouwen(1932-1996), a Dutch priest, professor, writer, and theologian. This prayer is from “A Cry for Mercy: Prayers from the Genesee.”

 How often have I lived through these weeks without paying much attention to penance, fasting, and prayer? How often have I missed the spiritual fruits of the season without even being aware of it? But how can I ever really celebrate Easter without observing Lent? How can I rejoice fully in your Resurrection when I have avoided participating in your death? Yes, Lord, I have to die—with you, through you, and in you—and thus become ready to recognize you when you appear to me in your Resurrection. There is so much in me that needs to die: false attachments, greed and anger, impatience and stinginess…. I see clearly now how little I have died with you, really gone your way and been faithful to it. O Lord, make this Lenten season different from the other ones. Let me find you again. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Forty Days and Forty Nights. Journeysongs. The music for the hymn is attributed to Martin Herbst (1654-1681) and Paul Heinlein (1626-1681). The present harmonization was by William Henry Monk (1861).

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