Pathways Press.com

Written by L.B. Cowman (1870-1960), an American writer and author of devotional books. This is an excerpt from her book “Streams of the Desert.”

Years ago there was an old German professor whose beautiful life was a marvel to his students. Some of them resolved to know the secret of it; so one of their number hid in the study where the old professor spent his evenings. It was late when the teacher came in. He was very tired, but he sat down and spent an hour with his Bible. Then he bowed his head in secret prayer; and finally closing the Book of books, he said, “Well, Lord Jesus, we’re on the same old terms.” To know Him is life’s highest attainment; and at all costs, every Christian should strive to be “on the same old terms with Him.” The reality of Jesus comes as a result of secret prayer, and a personal study of the Bible that is devotional and sympathetic. Christ becomes more real to the one who persists in the cultivation of His presence.

I no longer call you slaves, because the slave does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because I have revealed to you everything I heard from my Father. [John 15:15]

Read Full Post »

Today’s prayer was offered by House Chaplain, Reverend Edward G. Latch (1901-1993) on July 3, 1974.

Eternal God, stir Thou our minds and stimulate our hearts with a high sense of patriotism as we approach  this Independence Day. May all that this day symbolizes renew our faith in freedom, our devotion to democracy, and redouble our efforts to keep a government of the people, by the people, and for the people truly alive in our world. Grant that we may highly resolve on this great day to dedicate ourselves anew to the task of ushering in an era when good will shall live in the hearts of a free people, justice shall be the light to guide their feet, and peace shall be the goal of humankind: to the glory of Thy holy name and the good of our Nation and of all mankind. Amen.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. [Psalm 33:12]

Read Full Post »

Written by Rich Villodas, a contemporary pastor and writer. This is an excerpt from his book “The Narrow Path.”

Jesus’ beatitudes insist that love is what makes life good. To hunger for justice and righteousness, to be peacemakers, to offer mercy—all these acts are expressions of love. In the kingdom of God, the happiest people are oriented around love, not accruing greater possessions or power. To walk in step with Jesus is to walk in the way of love. A love that seeks to bring reconciliation where there has been fragmentation. A love that rejoices over mercy, not resentment. A love that works to end injustice, refusing to stand by idly. That is, for Jesus, the path toward the life that satisfies our souls.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [Matthew 5:3-10]

Read Full Post »

Written by Richard Foster, a contemporary theologian and author. This is an excerpt from his book “Prayer.”

God has graciously allowed me to catch a glimpse of his heart, and I want to share with you what I have seen. Today the heart of God is an open wound of love. He aches over our distance and preoccupation. He mourns that we do not draw near to him. He grieves that we have forgotten him. He weeps over our obsession with muchness and manyness. He longs for our presence…And he is inviting you—and me—to come home, to come home to where we belong—his arms are stretched out wide to receive us. His heart is enlarged to take us in.

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. [Luke 15:20]

Read Full Post »

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.

The weight of past failure can cling to us, muddying our thinking, obscuring the future, and sapping our motivation and confidence. God does not intend for the past to hinder us. The forgiveness He provides in Jesus dispels the past and opens the way for us to walk into the future. He offers us a fresh start with renewed energy and hope. Where do you need a fresh start today?

Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. [Psalm 32:5]

Read Full Post »

Written by the Reflections Ministry team.

One characteristic of spiritual growth is a growing awareness of both the holiness of God and the destructiveness of sin. The maturing believer understands that regular exposure to the light of revelation, along with a commitment to respond to the illuminating and convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit, is not optional but essential to personal and spiritual vitality.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.  [1 John 1:7]

Read Full Post »

This prayer is written by Kenneth and Karen Boa, contemporary authors

O Lord, I am deeply grateful for Your wonderful acts, for Your abundant promises, and for the gift of my relationship with You through the merits of Christ. How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who take refuge in You Before the sons of men! (Psalm 31:19). Surely God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul. (Psalm 54:4). Amen.

Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. [Psalm 54:4]

Read Full Post »

Written by Dallas Willard (1935-2013) and Jan Johnson, authors.  This is an excerpt from their book “Renovation of the Heart in Daily Practice.”

For some people, coming to faith has felt a bit like a bait-and-switch operation. At first, we hear mostly about grace. We hear we are saved by grace and that salvation is a free gift. But after a while, we are encouraged to try to be good. Yet it is exhausting to try to be good. We think, “This so-called free gift costs more than my puny self can buy. I’ll never make it.” Consider the disastrous results of trying to be good. When we seem to be successful at growth, our spirituality becomes about us, not about the power of God in our lives. When we try hard and fail, we berate ourselves and spend tremendous energy on guildt and hopelessness instead of letting ourselves be drawn into the divine life by becoming fascinated with the great example of Jesus in the Gospels. This weight of trying to be good is an unnecessary load because the way to God is the way of all encompassing inner transformation. God will work in us. We have a part in cooperating with God, but even then, we must not make it our project. We need to ask God to show us what the next small steps are and how to take them.

I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. [Philippians 1:4-6]

Read Full Post »

Written by James Bryan Smith, a contemporary author and professor. This is an excerpt from his book “The Good and Beautiful Community.”

The good and beautiful community is not made of merely comfortable Christians, but Christlike men and women growing in their life with God and each other. In order to become that kind of community we need a new narrative, a biblical narrative, to reshape our behavior. Here is the true narrative regarding the rights and responsibility of the community: The community exists to shape and guide my soul. The community has a right to expect certain behavior from me, and can provide the encouragement and accountability I need. From the beginning the ecclesia of Jesus has practiced soul-shaping through many means: corporate worship, the breaking of bread, the teaching of the apostles, corporate fasting, and holding each other accountable to live godly lives. Transformation into Christlikeness has been the aim and responsibility of the church from its beginning.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. [Hebrews 10:24-25]

Read Full Post »

Written by Karl Faase, a contemporary Australian social commentator.  This is an excerpt from his book “Jesus the Game Changer.”

Jesus’ teaching and attitude in the area of care became the template for the actions of the community life of Christians in the Early Church. Keep in mind at that time there were no other options; no government help and no other community services. If your family abandoned you, life was precarious. Begging was the only other option. Christian care for the most needy was noticed and their repute spread into the wider community.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. [Matthew 5:16]

Read Full Post »