Pathways Press.com

Written by Ricardo Chinchilla, a contemporary priest.

Jesus invited the disciples to come and rest a while after their joyful return from the two-by-two mission of crucial conversion. The Twelve met so many people; they did it with the art learned from Jesus: the blessing of providing close support while healing the struggles of life…We live today in a culture where income must grow, and productivity must always increase. This has convinced us that commitments give value to life. Jesus teaches us that life is valuable regardless of our obligations … Instead of prioritizing his agenda, Jesus turned himself to the people. Why? Two words: he feels compassion. Compassion is a beautiful, infinite charge that indicates a bite, a cramp, or a spasm within. Jesus’ first reaction: he feels pain for the world’s pain. Jesus turned to teach many things. He lit the way with a handful of light thrown into one’s heart. This was a profound teaching to the Twelve: learn to look with heart and tenderness. Then, words will be born; when you learn compassion, the world is grafted into your soul, and we become one river.

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. [1 Peter 3:8] 

Written by C. H. Mackintosh (1820-1896), an Irish businessman active in the Irish Revival.

“There is a path which no fool knoweth, and which the vulture’s eye hath not seen: the lion’s whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it.” What an unspeakable mervy for one who really desires to walk with God, to know that there is a way for him to walk in! God has prepared a pathway for his redeemed in which they may walk with all possible certainty, calmness, and fixedness. It is the privilege of every child of God, and every servant of Christ, to be as sure that he is in God’s way as that his soul should be saved. This may seem a strong statement; but the question is, Is it true? If it be true, it cannot be too strong. No doubt it may, in the judgment of some, savor a little of self confidence and dogmatism to assert, in such a day as that in which we live, in the midst of such a scene as that through which we’re passing, that we are sure of being in God’s path…the selfsame voice that tells us of God’s salvation for our souls, tells us also of God’s pathway for our feet.

We took sweet counsel together and walked unto the house of God in company. [Psalm 55:14]

Written by John Baillie (1886-1960), a Scottish theologian and minister.

O You who alone know what lies before me this day, grant that in every hour of it I may stay close to You. Let me be in the world, yet not of it. Let me use this world without abusing it. If I buy, let me be as though I possessed not. If I have nothing, let me be as though possessing all things. Let me today embark on no undertaking that is not in line with Your will for my life, nor shrink from any sacrifice which Your will may demand. Suggest, direct, control every movement of my mind; for my Lord Christ’s sake. Amen.

Abide in me as I abide in you. [John 15:4]

Written by Michael Wittmer, a contemporary professor of theology and author. This is an excerpt from his book “Heaven is a Place on Earth.”

What if we chose our career path based on our giftedness and interests (that is, what we are good at and what we enjoy doing)? What if we thought beyond ourselves, selecting our occupation based on how well it enabled us to contribute to society and serve others, especially “the least of these,” as we together cultivate God’s creation and seek to raise the level of shalom? What if we tried to match our skills and temperament with society’s greatest needs? What if we asked whether our career adds something necessary and wholesome to others or whether it actually detracts from the net gain of goodness in the world? What if we made certain that our career choice, whatever it is, could be easily balanced with our other vocational responsibilities, such as our obligation to church and family? Wouldn’t these be better, more biblical criteria than how well a job pays, the size of its stock options, and how much vacation time we get?

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [Matthew 6:33]

Written by Rick Warren, a contemporary author and pastor.  This is an excerpt from his book “The Purpose Driven Life.”

The importance of things can be measured by how much time we are willing to invest in them. The more time you give to something, the more you reveal its importance and value to you. If you want to know a person’s priorities, just look at how they use their time. Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it…When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you will never get back. Your time is your life.

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. [Matthew 6:19]

Written by Henri J. M. Nouwen (1932-1996), a Dutch priest, professor, writer, and theologian.  This is an excerpt from his book “Bread for the Journey.”

Going home is a lifelong journey. There are always parts of ourselves that wander off in dissipation or get stuck in resentment. Before we know it we are lost in lustful fantasies or angry ruminations. Our night dreams and daydreams often remind us of our lostness. Spiritual disciplines such as praying, fasting, and caring are ways to help us return home. As we walk home we often realize how long the way is. But let us not be discouraged. Jesus walks with us and speaks to us on the road. When we listen carefully we discover that we are already home while on the way.

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.  [2 John 1:3]

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.

Living with an eternal perspective changes us. From being self-absorbed people, preoccupied with power, possessions and prestige, we learn to rest in who God is and what He has done for us. Instead of living for the next great thing, we begin to trust God for provision for our needs. Remember Jesus’ prayer for daily bread? It is that simple. Gratitude displaces greed as we learn to receive what God gives with grateful hearts, and give our time and energy to seeking first His kingdom.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. [1 Timothy 6:6-8]

Written by Phil Rehberg, a contemporary author.

All temptations stem from our unstable passions and from lack of trust in God… Temptations should be resisted as soon as they knock on our door. We must not let them into the home of our heart, but rather go outside door and prevent them from entering at all. This is the first key to resist temptation. Once they enter they start to grow. Temptation progresses from a suggestion and moves into our imagination. Then we have thoughts of its pleasure and then it captures our desire. Finally, we give in. The longer we delay resistance, the stronger the enemy becomes, and it becomes more difficult to resist temptation… Temptations reveal how Christlike we are and lead to greater rewards. It is no great accomplishment to be devout if we never have trials. The one who endures temptations is the one who has made progress. What is your first impulse when a temptation comes? Do you immediately slam the door of your heart to resist temptation? How successful are you in resisting temptation and how can you improve?

With the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it    [1 Corinthians 10:13]

Written by Lysa TerKeust, a contemporary author and speaker. This is an excerpt from her book “Embraced.”

Lord, draw me close. Your Word promises when I draw close to You, You are there. I want my drawing close to be a permanent dwelling place. At any moment when I feel weak and empty and alone, I pray that I won’t let those feelings drag me down into a pit of insecurity. But rather, I want those feelings to be triggers for me to immediately lift those burdensome feelings to You and trade them for the assurance of Your security. I am not alone, because You are with me. I am not weak, because Your strength is infused in me. I am not empty, because I’m drinking daily from Your fullness. You are my dwelling place. And in You I have shelter from every stormy circumstance and harsh reality. I’m not pretending the hard things don’t exist, but I am rejoicing in the fact that Your covering protects me and prevents those hard things from affecting me like they used to. You, the Most High, have the final say over me. You know me and love me intimately. And today I declare that I will trust You in the midst of my pain. You are my everyday dwelling place, my saving grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [Psalm 91:1]

Written by Kelly Balarie, a contemporary author. This is an excerpt from her work “3 Ways to Recognize When God is Talking to You.”

I walked with a friend. Struggling with a sickness that was incredibly hard, I sought just the right words to encourage her. No words would suffice. What do you say when there is nothing to say? I’ve learned  listening is always more powerful than speaking when one is going through the wringer of life.  So, I asked her questions and then let her speak. I actively repeated what she spoke to let her know that I was hearing her heart. Eventually, the moment of awkward silence arrived where I had nothing left to ask. I needed to say something. God, help me?!! I looked towards my feet, pondering what to say. A leaf caught my attention. Amazingly, it was shaped like a heart. I knew God wanted me to share His love for her. He gave me an answer to my inner unsaid pleading for just the right words!! “God loves you so much.” I told her. A well-spoken word at just the right moment has the ability to break through to a person’s heart like nothing else. God reminded me of His heart for my friend through nature. This is one of the many ways that God speaks to us.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. [Psalm 19:1]

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  [Psalm 46:7]