Pathways Press.com

MEDITATION:

Written by Max Lucado, a contemporary pastor, speaker, and author. This is an excerpt from his book “Life Lessons from Romans.”

Henry Drummond writes, “You will find, if you think for a moment, that the people who influence you are the people who believe in you. In an atmosphere of suspicion men shrivel up; but in that atmosphere, they expand and find encouragement and educative fellowship. It is a wonderful thing that here and there in this hard uncharitable world there should still be left a few rare souls who think no evil. This is the great unworldliness. Love sees the bright side, puts the best construction on every action. What a delightful state of mind to live in! What a stimulus and benediction even to meet with it for a day! To be trusted is to be saved. And if we try to influence or elevate others, we shall soon see that success is in proportion to their belief of our belief in them. For the respect of another is the first restoration of the self-respect a man has lost; our ideal of what he is becomes to him the hope and pattern of what he may become.”

This faith moves mountains of inertia in other people. It pulverizes prejudices and impossibilities. This faith is the fruit of God’s gracious spirit that sweetens a sour world. It replaces suspicion and distrust with friendship and hope and good cheer. It makes our friends, family, and casual acquaintances stand tall. Faith of this caliber comes from God. If we lack it, we must ask for it. He urges us to come boldly requesting good gifts from Him. He does bestow His gracious Spirit on those who request His presence and are prepared to cooperate wholeheartedly with His commands. He will not withhold any good thing from those who seek His faith in sincerity. He is faithful.

PRAYER:

Written by Neil T. Anderson, a contemporary author.

Lord, forgive me for my rebellious spirit. Teach me to be submissive and respectful to those in authority over me. Help me be a light in our dark world; let Christ shine through me. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear those around me who need Your gospel truth. Thank You for Your great love and tender mercy toward me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.