Pathways Press.com

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]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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Written by Max Lucado, a contemporary pastor and author.  This is an excerpt from his book “Grace for
the Moment for Moms.”

We worry. We worry about the IRS and the SAT and the PTA. We worry that we won’t have enough money. And when we have money, we worry that we won’t manage it well. We worry that the world will end before the parking meter expires. We worry what the dog thinks if he sees us step out of the shower. We worry that someday we’ll learn that fat-free yogurt was fattening. Honestly, now. Did God save you so you would fret? Would He teach you to walk just to watch you fall? Would He be nailed to the cross for your sins and then disregard your prayers?  … you can’t take the love out of God and still have Him exist. For He was… and is… love. Probe deep within Him. Explore every corner. Search every angle. Love is all you find. Go to the beginning of every decision He has made, and you’ll find it. Go to the end of every story He has told, and you’ll see it. Love. No bitterness. No evil. No cruelty. Just love. Flawless love. Passionate love. Vast and pure love. He is love. God will love you. Always. No matter what.

You are a chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession.[1 Peter 2:9]

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

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This is a prayer of the United Nations.

Almighty and eternal God, you have called all people to be members of one another, and to lift their spirits to you as Father. You alone are the source of our confidence, our strength, and our hope during these perilous times…Strike from our hearts that national self-righteousness that causes hatred and division between persons and countries. Teach us to love one another as you have loved us. Consecrate each of us anew, that in our dealings with one another and with other nations we may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you. Amen.

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household [Ephesians 2:19]

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

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Written by C.S. Lewis (1898-1963), a British writer and theologian.  This is an excerpt from “Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer.”

William Law remarks that people are merely “amusing themselves” by asking for the patience which a famine or a persecution would call for if, in the meantime, the weather and every other inconvenience sets them grumbling. One must learn to walk before one can run. So here. We — or at least I — shall not be able to adore God on the highest occasions if we have learned no habit of doing so on the lowest. At best, our faith and reason will tell us that He is adorable, but we shall not have found Him so, not have “tasted and seen.” Any patch of sunlight in a wood will show you something about the sun which you could never get from reading books on astronomy. These pure and spontaneous pleasures are “patches of Godlight” in the woods of our experience.

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!  [Psalm 34:8]

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

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