Bruce's Bible Blog

How Faith Can Make Me Strong

2012-01-26T13:24:00.000-08:00

For Thursday, January 26

Acts 3 (click to read)

(You can download the Pathway 2012 Bible reading list here.)

Gender Specific (video)

2012-01-25T12:50:00.000-08:00

For Wednesday, January 25

Acts 2 (click to read)

(You can download the Pathway 2012 Bible reading list here.)

Out of the Ordinary Ideas

2012-01-23T14:03:00.000-08:00

For Monday, January 23

Out of the Ordinary Ideas

Mark 16 (click to read)

12 Later, Jesus appeared in another form to two disciples, as they were on their way out of the city. 13 But when these disciples told what had happened, the others would not believe.

This chapter has several references to people not believing that Jesus had risen from the dead and had been seen. I can understand that. One has to be open to events "out of the ordinary" to believe Jesus rose from the dead. Interesting to me, many people who do not believe in the Resurrection do believe in other out of the ordinary ideas and such. It seems there is more resistance to this out of the ordinary idea than there is to many others. The Bible talks about the influence of evil and the special opposition of Satan in this area. I don't doubt it, but to tell someone this evil influence is why they are not believing is not helpful to them. It seems the only thing a believer can do is know what and why one believes the Jesus rose. Then a dialog of respect and care might open some doors. For me, the very simplest thing that would have stopped the Christian faith was to point out the still dead body of Jesus. They had the chance - they just couldn't do it. So I believe and will work, pray and hope for others to believe as well.

Lord - I first confess that I do not let the impact of You Alive be as effective and powerful as I could. Help me with that action of faith and following. And help me be a gracious guide for faith for those who have some interest and sense Your Calling Love. May they, too, know You Alive.

(You can download the Pathway 2012 Bible reading list here.)

"Normal" Produces God's Work

2012-01-20T11:22:00.000-08:00

For Friday, January 20

"Normal" Produces God's Work

Mark 15 (click to read)

9Pilate asked them, "Do you want me to free the king of the Jews?" 10 Pilate knew that the chief priests had brought Jesus to him because they were jealous...15 Pilate wanted to please the crowd. So he set Barabbas free. Then he ordered his soldiers to beat Jesus with a whip and nail him to a cross.

It is kind of amazing that Jesus was tried, condemned and murdered in the "normal" human corruption pattern. True, the Bible tells us, as did Jesus, that His Death was both planned by God and foretold in the Old Testament. But it was accomplished through the normal political channels of the day. The normal corrupt power struggles in culture used Him as a leverage item. His Life was of no consequence to the leaders of the day, including the supposed moral leaders of the Jewish people. Same ol' crap, same ol' evil (systemic and personal), same ol' result in human terms. But this normal human corruption was used by God to perform the greatest righteousness act in history. God can and does use all things for the good of those who follow Jesus. I take great comfort and encouragement in that today. Disappointments, frustrations and mistakes - all - can be used by God for His Good, for my good, and for His Kingdom's advance. I choose to believe that is what God is doing with the disappointments and anxieties of my day and life. May His Will Be Done.

Lord Jesus - I give to You my disappointments, hurts, sorrows and mistakes. I know I will have to give them to You again, as I am not good at letting them go the first time. But I believe You are at work with these, despite these, because of these. You are my Hope and I will trust You.

(You can download the Pathway 2012 Bible reading list here.)

Valiant in Faith and Witness

2012-01-18T18:13:00.000-08:00

For Wednesday, January 18

Valiant in Faith and Witness

Mark 13 (click to read)

11 When you are arrested, don't worry about what you will say. You will be given the right words when the time comes. But you will not really be the ones speaking. Your words will come from the Holy Spirit.

This chapter in Mark is Jesus' statements about either the next 30 years (their time) or about the "end times." When one looks closely, it is difficult to see this as "end times" stuff. Too many things point to their time. I picked this verse because it is very often misused. The key part is "when your are arrested." The verse is Jesus' assurance that when a believer is arrested for their faith, they will be given the words to say by the Holy Spirit. Note that it does not say the words will be a defense that gets one released. Indeed, if the persecutions of the 3rd and 4th century A.D. are studied, we see that the record shows the believers were valiant in faith and witness even as they suffered and lost their lives. It can be argued that Rome and the (at the time) western world came under the influence and persuasion of the Christian faith partly because of these believers and their witness to Jesus as Lord of Life and Lord of All, even while their life and their all was being taken from them. I totally confess I do not want to be in that position, but I am comforted by the fact that Jesus Spirit will lead me in times of great duress as well as now.

Lord Jesus - many of Your followers have paid a great price for believing You and trusting You. May I have that kind of faith and devotion as well. I want to be a believer of impact for Your Name and Kingdom's Sake.

(You can download the Pathway 2012 Bible reading list here.)

Mountain Moving Faith

2012-01-16T09:27:00.000-08:00

For Monday, January 16

Mountain Moving Faith

Mark 11 (click to read)

22 Jesus told his disciples: Have faith in God! 23 If you have faith in God and don't doubt, you can tell this mountain to get up and jump into the sea, and it will. 24 Everything you ask for in prayer will be yours, if you only have faith.
25-26 Whenever you stand up to pray, you must forgive what others have done to you. Then your Father in heaven will forgive your sins.

I can certainly work at the second paragraph. I truly want to forgive so I follow Jesus - not just so I am forgiven, but because I want to become more and more like Jesus. But that first paragraph is a challenge. Now, I assume that Jesus meant that if God wanted the mountain in the sea and told me that, that my trust that God can do all would result in the mountain moving. I do trust that God can do all - but I also know God doesn't do "all" because God has specific principles and (likely) "projects" in view. So the real issue is "what does God want done" and "what has God told me." The addition of "in prayer" is important for me, because this communication activity always includes "your will be done" and "in Jesus' name" at least in principle, if not actual. So I know a lot that God wants done from the Word and from the Holy Spirit. My goal: keep praying and asking for the things God wants done - both around me and far from me. Then do what I know God wants me to do. So at this moment, I offer up two of those: the restoration of Haiti (after two years of not much happening) and the development of a strong young adult faith group. Lord - move mountains please as these are in Your Will.

Lord - Help me to continue to pray for these and other items in Your Will. And I will be careful to praise You for the results and listen to You for follow up.

(You can download the Pathway 2012 Bible reading list here.)

Greater Than a Healing

2012-01-10T18:44:00.000-08:00

For Tuesday, January 10

Greater Than a Healing

Mark 7 (click to read)

28 The woman replied, "Lord, even dogs eat the crumbs that children drop from the table." 29 Jesus answered, "That's true! You may go now. The demon has left your daughter." 30 When the woman got back home, she found her child lying on the bed. The demon had gone.

I so very much desire to have people experience healing from Jesus this way. There is so much pain and suffering - both in Third World and in ours. This non-Jewish woman bravely went to Jesus despite her negative status in His world - a "pagan", a non-Jew, a woman. She had to push for it, but her desire for help from Him was answered. What a joyous ending to this effort! I want others to experience this same ending. Whether it's a healing in body or mind, a freedom from pain or addiction, a recovery from sorrow or anger - Jesus can do this for each person. Yet, He wants something more than that - He wants them - He wants me - at His feet to acknowledge need and interest in His action. Some receive healing without this, but those who receive healing through this channel gain so very much more.

Lord - I place myself at Your Feet, declare my need, desire Your Action. I wish to bring others I care about with me, and to invite those I do not yet now to seek Your Action in their lives. Heal us, Call us, Receive all.

(You can download the Pathway 2012 Bible reading list here.)

Missed the Sign Right in Front of Me

2012-01-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

For Monday, January 9

Missed the Sign Right in Front of Me

Mark 6 (click to read)

51 He then got into the boat with them, and the wind died down. The disciples were completely confused. 52 Their minds were closed, and they could not understand the true meaning of the loaves of bread.

So the event is the miracle, Jesus walking on the stormy water, but the confusion is about the miracle, feeding with the loaves of bread... HUH? So line this up here -- they were afraid when they say Jesus 'cuz they thought he was a ghost - and they were afraid because they did not understand about the loaves. At the minimum, this means the miracle of the loaves was an important sign or had an important message about Jesus. Theologians tell us the loaves event points to Jesus as the promised Servant of the Lord, or the Messiah, from some Old Testament passages. So...the disciples were confused about the walking on the water because they did not understand the signage God had put right in front of them. Sorta makes me wonder - how many times have I been confused about what God is doing because I missed an earlier signpost, did not pay attention to His Action in my life the last couple of days. Or maybe just quit thinking about spiritual things for a bit until I really needed some input from the Spirit. I really would like to get all the info God is passing to me. It would help, don't 'cha think?

God of Heaven and Earth - Your Word makes it clear You are constantly sending communication my way. Help me to hear and respond. Even more, please make sure I do not miss any signs You place right in front of me. I can be confused enough - don't let me make it worse.

(You can download the Pathway 2012 Bible reading list here.)

If Jesus Did Not Have Success...

2012-01-05T16:14:00.000-08:00

For Thursday, January 5

If Jesus Did Not Have Success...

Mark 4 (click to read)

27 The farmer sleeps at night and is up and around during the day. Yet the seeds keep sprouting and growing, and he doesn't understand how. 28 It is the ground that makes the seeds sprout and grow into plants that produce grain.

Both stories about the seeds are an encouragement to me today. The first tells me that my kingdom role as a believer is to continue to be obvious and vocal about my faith. It tells me a few of the people around me will respond with lasting faith in Christ. The second story tells me I cannot figure it out. It is just the way people are and the way the Spirit works. Another (sorta) comforting thought - Jesus was the best representative and witness to God's love and grace ever. But there were still many who would not believe and some who actively opposed His message and invitations. If Jesus experienced this lack of success.... So I will be encouraged that my role is to live and speak faith, to be accurate and truthful about God's love and mercy, and I will happily welcome any partners to the pathway.

Lord - I want to let go of expectations I have that should not belong to me. I want You, Holy Spirit, to keep me vocal and active as a person who has experienced Your Love and Grace. I want to be a faithful and effective seed thrower - that's all You are asking of me.

(You can download the Pathway 2012 Bible reading list here.)

What Does the Sabbath Have to do with It?

2012-01-04T18:47:00.000-08:00

For Wednesday, January 4

What Does the Sabbath Have to do with It?

Mark 3 (click to read)

4 Then he asked, "On the Sabbath should we do good deeds or evil deeds? Should we save someone's life or destroy it?" But no one said a word. 5 Jesus was angry as he looked around at the people. Yet he felt sorry for them because they were so stubborn.

Someone will say "what does the Sabbath day have to do with this?" and that was exactly what Jesus was asking. On this day when a spiritual person was to devote time, reflection and activity to connecting with God and resting from the busy week (check it out - we don't do this very well), there were rules that kept them from active care for others. On that day, of all days, care for others and helping them with life (like God does - it is His Will) was sorta forbidden. But what does the Sabbath have to do with it - if it is God's Will that I help people, and give resource and aid. This is God's Will for me and for all whom He has created. If I want to do God's Wishes, the day does not matter. Indeed, Paul said the same to the Christians in Colossea. I believe I get opportunities every day to serve the Mission of Christ, and I look forward to such moments tomorrow - and every day.

Jesus - Help me to not compartmentalize my life - to separate my spiritual life off from the rest of me. Help me to serve You and Your Love for people every change I get. Help me to have Your Sense of time, effort and appropriate action. May I do a bit of Your Mission tomorrow.

(You can download the Pathway 2012 Bible reading list here.)

Being a Creative Helper

2012-01-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

For Tuesday, January 3

Being a Creative Helper

Mark 2 (click to read)

Jesus was still teaching 3 when four people came up, carrying a crippled man on a mat. 4 But because of the crowd, they could not get him to Jesus. So they made a hole in the roof above him and let the man down in front of everyone.

This passage challenges me to reflect on how much do I really express God's love for others. And a follow up is - do I have this kind of faith in Christ to go way out of my way and do whatever it takes to help someone discover the healing, forgiveness and life Jesus wants them to have. This whole chapter is full of challenges for the believer regarding who I think belongs in faith fellowship with me, how do my practices block others from looking for Jesus, how do I remain on the front edge of God's love for others. But the simple point for the day is this: Am I regularly willing to go out of my way, spend time and give energy, to risk being rejected or feeling foolish, to believe for another person - am I willing to go out of my way so another can know Christ's love. I mean, really, even the Pharisees did that much! I must regularly be willing to do more.

Jesus, break me out of my habits and patterns so I can be a carrier of Your Love and Grace to another. Open my mind and heart to creatively use time and effort to express Your Desire for each person. I want to carry someone to You.

(You can download the Pathway 2012 Bible reading list here.)

Success - Just a Prayer Away

2012-01-02T10:35:00.000-08:00

For Monday, January 2

Success - Just a Prayer Away

Mark 1 (click to read)

35 Very early the next morning, Jesus got up and went to a place where he could be alone and pray. 36 Simon and the others started looking for him. 37 And when they found him, they said, "Everyone is looking for you!" 38 Jesus replied, "We must go to the nearby towns, so that I can tell the good news to those people. This is why I have come."

The story of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark starts off with a bang and a mystery. The mystery is Jesus telling people to be quiet about Him ("he would not let them speak...told him not to tell"). The bang is the collection of healings mentioned. But I think the mystery and the bang point to something more important to Jesus -- the "this is why I have come." After these healing events, Jesus was clearly massively popular (in a very local sense) - everyone (who knew) was looking for Him. It sure would have been tempting to call this a success and develop a base there. But Jesus went to pray - to talk with God about what had happened and consider next steps, to commune with the Spirit to reflect on what was good and what needed next steps, to reflect on His options and select some goals. In opposite action, how many times have I said "wow, that worked - that must be it" and missed a chance for the next good move. And it was because I did not pray, reflect, let options arise and raise my sites a bit. I want this year to be a year of reflecting my way to better goals and great options. I must take time for this focus, or it just simply will not happen.

Lord - I fully believe You want to lead me and all who follow You into a life of increasing impact, "success", joy, fulfillment. So I will take more time this year, and more focus to hear from You. I will not settle for the small success with the thing You want for me to do is just a prayer away.

(You can download the Pathway 2012 Bible reading list here.)

When Basics Are Key

2011-11-03T16:45:00.000-07:00

For Thursday, November 3

When Basics Are Key

Ezekiel 7-9:11; Hebrews 5:1-14; Psalm 105:1-15; Proverbs 26:28 (click to read)

(Hebrews 5) 13 People who live on milk are like babies who don't really know what is right. 14 Solid food is for mature people who have been trained to know right from wrong.

This is a great segment for me. It's not about what or how much I know. It's not about the basics I declare or the clarity of my speaking. It is - in fact - about my ability to know what is right and what is wrong and to live that out. Spiritual maturity is not found in excellent theology (though there is nothing harmful and much helpful with this). It is not found in great teaching or application approaches (though, again, this is used by the Holy Spirit to do the work of Jesus). Spiritual maturity is found in me as I determine right from wrong - and by extension, wise from unwise, effective from ineffective, and timing from terrible - in my life of following Jesus.

Lord - I can "talk myself" into a way of spiritual thinking that takes me from the maturity path. Your Word is completely full of definitions and actions of right vs. wrong. I want to take this attitude alone to define my love for You, following of You, serving You, representing You.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Unwilling to Live His Method and Time

2011-10-20T16:15:00.000-07:00

For Thursday, October 20

Unwilling to Live His Method and Time

Jeremiah 35-36:32; 1 Timothy 5:1-25; Psalm 89:14-37; Proverbs 25:25-27 (click to read)

(Jeremiah 35) ...a lesson 14 from the Rechabite clan. Their ancestor Jonadab told his descendants never to drink wine, and to this very day they have obeyed him. But I have spoken to you over and over, and you haven't obeyed me!

This is a strong lesson for me regarding how clearly and completely I follow Christ. The goal of my following is to become like Him. The obstacles to my following are my tendency to meet the needs of my life in a time frame and method not of His Will, taking me away from being like Him. (The is a basic definition of "sin") These choices involve lack of trust in His Will and His Provision, lack of humility, lack of patience, and unwillingness to learn new ways to both cope and to experience Him. I shudder to think of the valuable lessons that slip by me because I am looking around at the shiny things of this temporal life, rather than the glory things of His Life. But slip by they have, and I trust that Jesus will send lessons and help again and again. I believe that because of the help, messages, and promises God gave to Israel and Judah through Jeremiah: again and again, year in - year out, and always ready to receive their devotion --- finally.

Thank You, Jesus, for never giving up on me. You are constantly inviting me to turn more to You, to turn out more like You. My patience and hope gives out, Yours does not. Make me more like You as I follow, learn, trust and experience each day.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

God Kept His Promises

2011-10-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

For Tuesday, October 18

God Kept His Promises

Jeremiah 31:27-32:44; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Psalm 88:1-18; Proverbs 25:20-22 (click to read)

(Jeremiah 31) 33 Here is the new agreement that I, the LORD, will make with the people of Israel: "I will write my laws on their hearts and minds. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 "No longer will they have to teach one another to obey me. I, the LORD, promise that all of them will obey me, ordinary people and rulers alike. I will forgive their sins and forget the evil things they have done."

This is far and away my favorite part of Jeremiah. The book is so full of "please repent and follow me" that grace is very clear. It is ONLY intentional rejection that God is punishing. And the length of time the prophets plead for change is more than decades. Yet in the end it will be up to God's action to make thing right: 1) the Exile will come because the people and especially the leaders will not turn and follow. So they will go BUT God will sustain them and return them in 70 years; 2) it is not just the culture, the system that needs changing - it is also the people themselves, their internals, their mindset. And God will recreate that as well - as is stated above. I tend to read this as fulfilled in the age of the Church and the Gift of the Holy Spirit. But we believers are not that "mature" and "faithful" yet, so maybe this is still in the age to come. But the promise to do something INSIDE of a person has been given. Each believer lives with God's Spirit to teach, guide, correct, and relate to. He has kept His Promise.

I am so grateful, Holy Lord, for Your Promise, Your Spirit, and Your Faithful Character of Grace and Mercy. Help me every day to turn to You when I am off course, and to Trust Your Grace for every day.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

My Spirit Jumped

2011-10-13T17:22:00.000-07:00

For Thursday, October 13

My Spirit Jumped

Jeremiah 22-23:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12; Psalm 83:1-18; Proverbs 25:11-14 (click to read)

(Jeremiah 23) 7 A time will come when you will again worship me. But you will no longer call me the Living God who rescued Israel from Egypt. 8 Instead, you will call me the Living God who rescued you...

(WOW - the Proverbs verses are SO good - but I have to go with this one above.) Really, the instant I read these verses, my spirit jumped for joy. It is this great personal experience of God, of Jesus and His Spirit rescuing ME that is the my bedrock experience. Sure, there are great stories in the Bible and more wonderful stories from fellow believers. But my devotion and faith really take a leap up because of His Action in my life. I think, perhaps, a person who has no such thought would find if very difficult to be devoted and hopeful in their faith. And - from my perspective - anyone who has no such memory of God's action in their lives likely does not now themselves well enough to be aware of all their weaknesses, failures, fizzled efforts, and times they simply ignored God. I do know some of mine, and I know He has rescued me over and over. Thank you Lord, so much.

Lord - My prayer is fully of gratitude and my devotion comes from this knowledge and experience. I am hopeful because You are with me, and because You can rescue me and because You do guide me. You are not the Savior of Israel, or my family or my friends - You are My Savior.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

The "Bruce" Project

2011-10-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

For Wednesday, October 12

The "Bruce" Project

Jeremiah 19-21:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-28; Psalm 82:1-8; Proverbs 25:9-10 (click to read)

(1 Thessalonians 5) 23 I pray that God, who gives peace, will make you completely holy. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept healthy and faultless until our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 24 The one who chose you can be trusted, and he will do this.

I certainly need for Jesus to do to me what this verse says. On my own, I am not able to be either completely holy or faultless. Indeed, I often feel "fault-full", especially when looking at the call to be completely devoted to Christ. My devotions can be torn away to other priorities, my actions don't always have the most holy intentions or motives. I need for His Spirit to continually grow me, guide me, grace me so I can gain ground to this level. The promise at the end of this section (like the one in Philippians) is so important to me. I'm not sure what the "finish line" looks like, but as long as God's Spirit knows what God wants to do to, with, and through me, then I'm good with that. I want to trust Him each day that God is still on the "Bruce" project, and He is on schedule.

Lord Jesus - I am so very grateful that You and Your Spirit are the responsible Ones to get me to the state of holiness and devotion needed. I know I must to my part to surrender, submit, be open to guidance and correction, but I thank You from my complete heart that You can be trusted to both do and finish the work in me.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Thanks, Spirit, I needed that

2011-10-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

For Tuesday, October 11

Thanks, Spirit, I Needed That

Jeremiah 16:16-18:23; 1 Thessalonians 4-5:3; Psalm 81:1-16; Proverbs 25:6-8 (click to read)

(Jeremiah 17) 19-20 The LORD said: Jeremiah, stand at each city gate in Jerusalem, including the one the king uses, and speak to him and everyone else. Tell them I have said: I am the LORD, so pay attention. 21-24 If you value your lives, don't do any work on the Sabbath. Don't carry anything through the city gates or through the door of your house, or anywhere else. Keep the Sabbath day sacred!

I must ask myself after this passage: How seriously do I take "sabbath?" Sabbath means two things to me: 1) serious focus and attention to God in worship, reflection and devotion; and 2) recovery from life's stresses and pace. Jeremiah was sent to the 'city gates' - were all the commercial activity of the city began. In fact, the city gates were the arrival and departure of everything that happened. The underlying question to me is: can I break free of my life pace and adrenaline-driven, activity-filled schedule to be with the Spirit of the Lord and to rest and recover. This is a timely passage for me, because I have been trying to get a new life schedule that addresses work, exercise, rest and spiritual issues. I have been failing at it so far - this passage tells me it is important and to get it figured out! Thanks, Spirit, I needed that.

Lord - I confess my failure in following Your Sabbath instructions to me. I feel my weakness in changing the 'what' and 'when' of my life's schedule and pattern. Renew my determination and whisper Your Wisdom for making this change.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

So Busy Being a Good Person

2011-10-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

For Monday, October 3

So Busy Being a Good Person

Jeremiah 1-2:30; Philippians 4:1-23; Psalm 75:1-10; Proverbs 24:17-20 (click to read)

(Jeremiah 2) 8 The priests who teach my laws don't care to know me.

In this initial indictment against Judah, Jeremiah makes this statement. The priests "don't care to know me." Wow - this seems so hard and cold. But I can say that it is very possible to be in religious leadership and not care to know Christ. I'm not saying anything about anyone but me - I just know how doing the "job" can come down to some rules, some measures of success, and keeping one's image up. I just listened again to a talk from the Leadership Summit of 2008: Craig Groeschell on "IT". One thing he said - he discovered he was so busy being a pastor that he was not focused on being a disciple of Christ. This - of course - in not just for leader types. Many people can be so busy being a "good person", fulfilling their duty, striving for good goals, etc., that they lose focus on being a follower of Christ. And, of course, in order to follow well, I must "care to know Him." So Jeremiah's critique of the leadership of his day is a clear possibility and warning for all of us believers today.

Lord Jesus - I want my life and my impact to clearly reflect You and Your Will. I want to fulfill my duties, live a good, impactful life and live out righteousness. But I know I need time and focus on knowing You. Thank You for Your Spirit - who will help me to know You better every day.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Complete Failure of Worship

2011-09-29T13:53:00.000-07:00

For Thursday, September 29

Complete Failure of Worship

Isaiah 57:15-59:21; Philippians 1:1-26; Psalm 71:1-24; Proverbs 24:9-10 (click to read)

(Isaiah 58)5 Do you think the LORD wants you to give up eating and to act as humble as a bent-over bush? Or to dress in sackcloth and sit in ashes? Is this really what he wants on a day of worship? 6 I'll tell you what it really means to worship the LORD. Remove the chains of prisoners who are chained unjustly. Free those who are abused! 7 Share your food with everyone who is hungry; share your home with the poor and homeless. Give clothes to those in need; don't turn away your relatives. 8 Then your light will shine like the dawning sun, and you will quickly be healed.

The Old Testament is very full of this kind of message: worship activities are meaningless when we do not live out the values and guidance of God and His Kingdom. In an earlier place in Isaiah, the prophet quotes God as saying "they sing songs of worship but they never think about me." A side note teaching is to understand that the activities of worship (above: fasting, repentance action, etc.) are for us to grow in our knowledge and experience of God. They are not for pleasing God or even much for honoring God, though God is certainly worthy of all honor. Instead, I honor God when I care about the things God cares about and love the people God loves. I do worship activities so I can reflect on who God is, God's love and grace for me, and determine to live out my gratitude and faith in Jesus that day and every day. It is a complete failure to think that going to worship pleases God - knowing God and living His values is what pleases my Lord and Savior.

Lord Jesus - Help me this day and every day to want to be Your disciple, Your child, Your representative. Help me hear Your Spirit for the things of the Kingdom You want me doing today and the values of the Kingdom You want me growing in right now.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

My Commonality with Creation

2011-09-15T16:02:00.000-07:00

For Thursday, September 15

My Commonality with Creation

Isaiah 19-21:17; Galatians 2:1-16; Psalm 59:1-17; Proverbs 23:13-14 (click to read)

(Isaiah 19) 25 then the LORD All-Powerful will bless them by saying, "The Egyptians are my people. I created the Assyrians and chose the Israelites."

So much of the Old Testament points to God as the Creator and Owner of the entire world. Yet the Hebrews simply did not get it, or at least the implications of this truth. I don't want to make the same mistake. For God to talk about the Egyptians and Assyrians in this passage is the same as God talking to me about the "enemies" of my nation. At different times, that was/is Japan, Russia, China, Afghanistan, Iraq, etc. God wants me to be really clear that I am NOT more His than anyone from these countries. Or I could extrapolate to non-national groups that are identified as the enemies of God's People. Depending on who you are or what one reads: Muslims, gays, liberals, fundamentalists, atheists, corporations, civil rights leaders, Hindus, sex workers, etc. But God wants me to know He created all the people under all these labels, and I am to know this, accept this, and live our my commonality as His creation with them all.

Lord Jesus, help me to be totally a servant of Yours and completely an equal with all people. Help me to be gracious to all others as You have been gracious to me. Help me to be humble and grateful for the full following You have, and a helper to each one yet to "meet their Gracious Maker" in this life and the next.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

How It Is Supposed to Work

2011-09-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

For Wednesday, September 14

How It Is Supposed to Work

Isaiah 15-18:7; Galatians 1:1-24; Psalm 58:1-11; Proverbs 23:12 (click to read)

(Isaiah 17) 7 At that time the people will turn and trust their Creator, the holy God of Israel. 8 They have built altars and places for burning incense to their goddess Asherah, and they have set up sacred poles for her. But they will stop worshiping at these places.

This is the way it is supposed to work. This passage is about Damascus, about Syria (meaning NOT about God's "chosen people"). God says that when they experience trouble, even though they have worshipped Asherah, they will, instead, turn to God, their Creator. When life is not working, we have an opportunity to focus on our connection to God, to Jesus, and shape up our spiritual lives. Now I am not saying - or believing - that doing so guarantees a "no trouble" life. I must admit, that are plenty of people who call themselves Christians that think and believe it does (or should) mean that. And some get very angry at God, believing He is letting them down, when trouble does not stop or when it returns. But that is not the theology of the Bible. Rather, it is that our trouble times gives us, give me, one more chance to evaluate my life, my spiritual growth and connection with Jesus, and one more change to worship my Creator and follow my Savior. That's how it is supposed to work.

Lord God - I ask that Your Spirit be the most powerful influence in my life when I have trouble, stress, confusion or pain. I ask that You use each of these benchmarks of life to focus me, call me and guide me. I ask You to use each event to make me more like Jesus.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Being a Follower Mean Speaking Up

2011-09-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

For Tuesday

Being a Follower Mean Speaking Up

Isaiah 12-14:32; 2 Corinthians 13:1-14; Psalm 57:1-11; Proverbs 23:9-11 (click to read)

(Proverbs 23) 10 Don't move a boundary marker or take the land that belongs to orphans. 11 God All-Powerful is there to defend them against you.

This verse is a "wisdom" saying that points to exactly the evil behavior listed in Isaiah as we read it. Also in many of the other prophets. Over and over again, the prophets quote God as angry at injustice and oppression of the powerful over the weak. And it strikes me that the prophets express just as much judgement on those who will not speak up when injustice is done. God is clear - He is opposed to those who do evil to others in economic and justice issues, but He is also upset with those who will not speak up and insist that economic justice, fairness for the less powerful and society care for those with no resource. I want my actions, prayers, conversations, votes (since I can vote) and energies to be directed in these justice ways.

Lord - You are clear that being a follower of Jesus involves more than avoiding evil. You also tell me to advocate and insist on justice, righteousness and compassionate care. Give me Your Eyes to see what I don't and Your Voice to speak what You desire to be said.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

2011-09-07T16:37:00.000-07:00

For Wednesday

How Much Do I Have to Give to Be Happy

Song of Solomon 5-8:14; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15; Psalm 51:1-19; Proverbs 22:24-25 (click to read)

(2 Corinthians 9) 7 Each of you must make up your own mind about how much to give. But don't feel sorry that you must give and don't feel that you are forced to give. God loves people who love to give.

In our Bible study discussion last night, we spent time talking about and growing in our understanding of how God wants an intimate, trusting child-Parent relationship with us. God does not want our connection to Him defined by rules or even expectations. Rather, God wants us relating to Him constantly, seeking wisdom and help, and putting our real stuff "one the table." These verses about generosity communicate the same principle. God doesn't want to give us rules about handling our money or how we contribute. There are passages that help us understand how vital this area is to our growing connection to God, but God does not want it rule based. Instead, God wants us joyfully choosing to contribute: to His Kingdom work, to relief work, to helping a family member or helping a community partner. It is the joy of trusting God for our needs and next steps that frees us from trusting our wallets. And we grow in our relationship with God when we choose to trust Him for the next steps of our lives. THAT is why God "loves a cheerful giver."

Lord God, You have given me many things to share and release to the good of others. Some of it is the finances in my possession. I ask You to guide my generosity and giving, grow my Trust in You, and establish my connection to You in Faith and the desire to become more like Christ.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

2011-08-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

For Tuesday, August 30

The Fragile Part

Job 34:1-36:33; 2 Corinthians 4:1-12; Psalm 44:1-8; Proverbs 22:10-12

(2 Corinthians) 7 We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us. 8 We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don't know what to do, we never give up. 9 In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.

I really relate to the "clay jars" part of this verse. I'm guessing Paul primarily meant "we don't look very flashy," but I relate to the "fragile and limited" part. The mission is so big and I am so limited. The key phrase is "the real power comes from God and not from us." I must remember this each day, each contact, each moment of devotion to Jesus. There are such major efforts that need to be effective to the work of God's Kingdom to move forward. I have had the experience of my "clayness" being used by God's power and impact. I need that to be my experience continually. This is true for personal issues and concerns as well as kingdom items. And it needs to be true every day.

Lord Jesus - Help me to always remember it is from Your Spirit that power comes. It is Your Presence that makes impact. It is Your Life in me that directs to influence and help. I glad welcome this and declare both my need and intention to life in this way.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

For Faith and Fact

2011-08-23T16:27:00.000-07:00

For Tuesday, August 23

For Faith and Fact

Job 8-11:20; 1 Corinthians 15:1-28; Psalm 38:1-22; Proverbs 21:28-29 (click to read)

(1Corinthians 15) 16 So if the dead won't be raised to life, Christ wasn't raised to life. 17 Unless Christ was raised to life, your faith is useless, and you are still living in your sins

(OK - re: Job - I think I see that one of the failings of Job's friends is they just had to supply an answer. They could not hold the tension between Job's sufferings and his innocence, so they told him to repent, ask for forgiveness and listen...even though Job was no way ready to do that. The mystery of a relationship with God in fullness escaped them at this point)
I return so often to this one concept of the resurrection - how totally easy it would have been to prove that Jesus did not rise from the dead. And His enemies would have done that in an instant, but they could not. So - resurrection it is. Now, I'm not philosophically sold on Paul's first point which I understand to be: "If there will be no resurrection at the end of this age, then Jesus was not raised." With the total uniqueness of Jesus, this just does not follow for me. Jesus could have been raised with no consequence to us. BUT - that is not God's plan. And since Jesus HAS been raised, my life, my choices, my message, my hope for others, my life goals - they all are NOT worthless. So I shall continue to live and grow into this faith and fact.

Lord - You are the Risen Lord, the Raised Jesus, the First Born of all Creation and all Resurrection. Praise to You and to our Father for this divine sign for fact, for faith, and for following You. I ask Your Help in doing so today.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

To Listen and Learn

2011-08-22T17:59:00.000-07:00

For Monday, August 22

To Listen and Learn

Job 4-7:21; 1 Corinthians 14:18-40; Psalm 37:30-40; Proverbs 21:27 (click to read)

(Job 5) 17 Consider yourself fortunate if God All-Powerful chooses to correct you. 18 He may cause injury and pain, but he will bandage and heal your cuts and bruises.

The story of Job is a tough one for me in many ways. In the first two chapters, I see many hints for me understanding both God and suffering and pain. One clue is how much joy God says God has with devoted people. And Satan says people are only devoted because it gets them something. But that's yesterday's reading... For today, one of my troubles with Job is that most of what his three friends tell him is correct -- or at least I think it is. But, in the end, God condemns them for mus-representing God. (That's September 1's reading). So for today, I stay in that in-between state of "yes, this is true, but why did it not score with God?" One solution is I do not yet have the correct perspective on the whole story and concept. So that's were I will dwell as I read the rest of Job through this month.

Lord - In this most important question (for us humans) of pain, suffering, growth and Your Will for us, I feel there is more for me to learn. I want very much to not represent You wrong, nor to think improperly about You myself. With Your Spirit, lead me to added insights and more wisdom from You as I reflect on Your Word to me in this book of Job. I will listen and learn.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

The Spirit's Strategy

2011-08-19T16:22:00.000-07:00

For Friday, August 19

The Spirit's Strategy

Esther 4-7:10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-26; Psalm 36:1-12; Proverbs 21:21-22 (click to read)

(1 Corinthians 12) 3 Now I want you to know that if you are led by God's Spirit, you will say that Jesus is Lord, and you will never curse Jesus.

Bible experts have had to guess at the meaning of the last part of this verse. Many have decided that the Corinthians were "speaking in tongues", ecstatic language, and some would, in fact, curse Jesus during that speaking. I really don't know if that's it, but as I read the verse, another "form" of cursing Jesus come to mind. That is when I really represent Jesus wrongly. I (or any believer) have the task of representing Christ accurately, His love, His mercy, His justice, His grace. When I, in fact, represent the opposite: intolerance, hate, judgmental attitudes, etc., I "curse" Jesus to be known wrongly, to be ridiculed by the world, to be rejected for totally wrong reasons. Since I am not yet (or even close) to what God wants me to be, I need the leading for God's Spirit, as the verse says. And since I never know who is really watching, or under what conditions they observe, I must depend on the Spirit's guidance and strategy for Jesus to be honored.

Lord Jesus - I seek to be an accurate witness and representative of You every day. On any day, I can do that badly - for those actions and words, I ask Your forgiveness. For today and tomorrow, guide my choices and communications so that You are honored and not "cursed" with bad representation.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Slip-Slidin' Away

2011-08-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

For Wednesday, August 17

Slip-Slidin' Away

Nehemiah 12:27-13:31; 1 Corinthians 11:1-16; Psalm 35:1-16; Proverbs 21:17-18 (click to read)

(Nehemiah 13) 15 I also noticed what the people of Judah were doing on the Sabbath. Not only were they trampling grapes to make wine, but they were harvesting their grain, grapes, figs, and other crops, and then loading these on donkeys to sell in Jerusalem...23 I discovered that some Jewish men had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab.

I have to quickly say that though I understand how Nehemiah and Ezra were thinking about "mixed marriages," I have difficulty with the human treatment ethics. But that aside - how discouraging, and how enlightening, it is to read of the return of the people to the practices that they knew were forbidden in God's Law - so recently rediscovered, so recently celebrated in national holiday. All the work of educating the people and equipping the leaders to guide them into follow God's Will went nowhere. The fact that the people quickly forgot the instructions and went back to their "old ways" is one thing, but that the leaders who were appointed and trained completely failed in their task is so disheartening to read. It is a very good lesson for me, for us. We humans are very prone, very easily taken back from holy living to compromise it all. We are together in the church, in some congregation or small group, so we can learn how to stop pretending, make our desire for spiritual growth known, ask for help and accountability, and follow Jesus better every day. But it is so easy to just move back - we need His Spirit, His People, and His Grace.

Lord - The lesson of how easy it is to just quite is so clear in this passage, and in my life. With Your Spirit and Your People, keep me on the growth edge, sensitive to what You Will for me. I want to grow and know You more every day.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Helping Each Other Along

2011-08-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

For Tuesday, August 9

Helping Each Other Along

Ezra 8:21-9:15; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; Psalm 31:1-8; Proverbs 21:1-2 (click to read)

1 Corinthians 5) 9 In my other letter I told you not to have anything to do with immoral people. 10 But I wasn't talking about the people of this world. You would have to leave this world to get away from everyone who is immoral or greedy or who cheats or worships idols. 11 I was talking about your own people who are immoral or greedy or worship idols or curse others or get drunk or cheat. Don't even eat with them! 12 Why should I judge outsiders? Aren't we supposed to judge only church members?

Again, a very interesting parallel between the Ezra passage and the Corinthians verses. I think any group of believers would benefit from talking about the implications of these verses, and seeking what the Holy Spirit is saying to them. Vitally important to me is Paul's statement to NOT avoid or ignore the "immoral" people who are not believers. He basically says "I expect them to live that way and so should you - that does not mean Jesus loves them any less or takes back His invitation to them." But our relationship with fellow believers is more accountability oriented. I feel it is a fine line to walk when I am to "judge" (I read that as evaluate what's going on) a fellow believer regarding how they are following Christ. And I am to expect the some from my fellow believers. This does not diminish grace - indeed, Paul is referring to a person who calls himself a believer, but openly acts in non-Christ-following ways. This person says she is a disciple, but it is clear to others watching her (non-believers as well as believers) that she is not making an effort to follow Jesus, or letting the Holy Spirit lead. In these cases, Paul says, it is important to say "that's not Christian behavior." And if the person keeps insisting the behavior is OK, then some separation is needed. It is a way to hold each other accountable to Jesus, and it is always to be done in love with mercy as the operating factor.

Lord - As Your people, we easily err on both sides of this "body of Christ" action. We judge, condemn and hurt sometimes, other times we say nothing and allow a bad representation of You continue. Help me to know when Your Spirit is telling me to love a person enough to confront them about choices or behavior. And have my heart and spirit overflowing with Your Love so that is the major component of any conversation.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Turn My Heart Completely

2011-08-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

For Monday, August 8

Turn My Heart Completely

Ezra 7-8:20; 1 Corinthians 4:1-21; Psalm 30:1-12; Proverbs 20:28-30 (click to read)

(1 Corinthians 4) 1 Think of us as servants of Christ who have been given the work of explaining God's mysterious ways. 2 And since our first duty is to be faithful to the one we work for, 3 it doesn't matter to me if I am judged by you or even by a court of law.

It is kind of interesting to be reading about the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem (through Ezra's writing) and thus the worship of God, and the building of the church in Corinth, and thus the worship of Jesus. Both Ezra and Paul had only one main responsibility - to educate and train the people in following God's Will and Way. Each way was different because their eras were different. So - today - we believers and especially those who teach us have the responsibility to grow into the People of God, the People of Jesus Christ who do His Will and follow His Way. And Paul is pretty clear that a believer's responsibility is only to Jesus. I am aware that I am not always that singularly focused. I want to be fully and only responsive to Jesus' Spirit every day and on each encounter with another person. I want to be growing in the ways and will of Christ every day. I want to help others find their next steps into being a member of God's people.

Lord - I let the influences of people and pressures around me keep me from being completely responsive to You. By Your Spirit, continue to free me from these influences and fears, and turn my full heart, thought and soul to You alone.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

That's My Story and I'm Sticking To It

2011-08-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

For Friday, August 5

That's My Story and I'm Sticking To It

Ezra 1-2:70; 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5; Psalm 27:7-14; Proverbs 20:22-23 (click to read)

(I Corinthians 2) 1 Friends, when I came and told you the mystery that God had shared with us, I didn't use big words or try to sound wise. 2 In fact, while I was with you, I made up my mind to speak only about Jesus Christ, who had been nailed to a cross.

Paul is clear at the beginning of this letter to the Corinthians that he presented a simple message about Jesus and God's work through Jesus and this message was effective for the Corinthians. Many have used these passages to say that the message about God and Christ should always be simple. But in Acts 17, Paul is anything but simple in his message to Athenians; he has a complex message in Romans chapters 1-5; and Hebrews has a very complicated message about Jesus Christ. The point is, it takes all kinds of approaches and God's work needs them all. Some of us are good at simple, direct descriptions of the work of Christ in our lives and our world, and those who have a different way of looking at it should cheer them on. Some of us can address the philosophical issues and questions in others, and those with simple, direct messages should encourage them and pray for their impact. Jesus is seeking all people, and the witness of each believer is vital because we are different people. So I need to be ready to tell my version - and you need to be ready to tell yours. Or someone is not going to get to hear about Jesus in the way that meets their needs and their filters.

Lord - I am so grateful You have a team of people to share Your Good News in the many ways the others need to hear. Help me to be fully capable with my version of Your Story, and I pray for all my teammates that they, too, will be ready and capable.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Roles of Impact

2011-08-03T16:30:00.000-07:00

For Wednesday, August 3

Roles of Impact

2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33; Romans 16:10-27; Psalm 26:1-12; Proverbs 20:19 (click to read)

(2 Chronicles 34) 31 After Josiah had finished reading, he stood in the place reserved for the king. He promised in the LORD's name to faithfully obey the LORD and to follow his laws and teachings that were written in the book.

Most of the time, my relationship with Christ, your relationship with Christ, is focused on the personal. He is Lord, I am follower and I present myself in need of help, healing, forgiveness and connection. But there are times when the positions we have in life must enter into the relationship discussion as well, for we are stewards of position and influence. In the passage, Josiah "stood in the place reserved for the king." He owned his role and responsibility. He came to God representing his person and his position, for he was a steward of power and impact. There are roles we each have in life, and for the impact of these roles, we have a responsibility to Christ. The roles are family roles, professional roles, friendship roles, and public roles. There is no escaping the responsibility of these roles - indeed, when Jesus said "You will be my witnesses," He meant that. And we are either witnesses to God's great love, mercy, truth and justice; or we witness badly about these same attributes to others. We are witness - for the Kingdom's good or for it's injury, but we are witnesses. So I (we) are to bring our roles and positions in humble service to Christ as well. We are to step into the place reserved for our impact and fully own our responsibility, devoting our "position living" to the service of Christ, as well as devoting ourselves.

Lord - I want to own and offer to You all the roles I have. I want my personal life devoted to You and my impact devoted to Your Kingdom's good. As I reflect, pray and decide, may Your Spirit guide me to the full discipleship the my life can offer.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Praying for Safety and Forgiveness - for Others

2011-08-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

For Monday, August 1

Praying for Safety and Forgiveness - for Others

2 Chronicles 30-31:21; Romans 15:1-22; Psalm 25:1-15; Proverbs 20:13-15 (click to read)

(2 Chronicles 30)18-19 Most of the people that came from Ephraim, West Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun had not made themselves clean, but they ignored God's Law and ate the Passover lambs anyway. Hezekiah found out what they had done and prayed, "LORD God, these people are unclean according to the laws of holiness. But they are worshiping you, just as their ancestors did. So, please be kind and forgive them." 20 The LORD answered Hezekiah's prayer and did not punish them.

The attitude that Hezekiah shows here, the motive of his heart that plays out, these are great examples to me of what it looks like to serve the Lord and not one's own agenda. Hezekiah had put huge amounts of work, time, money and focus into renewing the commitment to and worship of God. He put himself on the line, reaching out, being rejected by others. He even staked his entire reputation on reviving this worship for his country. The passage clearly states that some rejected him and insulted him for this effort. Others did not take it serious. All this effort combined with these rebuffs could easily have offended him, made him angry, caused him to retaliate. But he does not. I am amazed at his prayer for those who did not take the worship serious and took advantage of the situation. He does not get angry, he prays for their safety and forgiveness. I recognize that I have been angry in the past with those who have not taken seriously my efforts to help people be devoted to Christ. When they let an important appeal or opportunity go by, I get frustrated and sometimes lose the "Jesus/Hezekiah" perspective. I forget that it is not about me and my efforts, it is only about representing Jesus well, living out His Love and Grace. I have not prayed for such people enough, I know. I want to do better and serve their lives by not giving up, and praying for their safety and forgiveness.

Lord - Your Word says to not be weary in well-doing, but I have been. More, I have been upset and disconnected from people who You sent me to serve in both life and in profession. I confess I have not prayed for them as I should have. Help me to have Your Attitude, Hezekiah's attitude, when this happens again.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

God is Clear About This

2011-07-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

For Wednesday, July 27

God is Clear About This

2 Chronicles 19-20:37; Romans 10:14-11:12; Psalm 21:1-13; Proverbs 20:4-6 (click to read)

(2 Chronicles 19) 5 He assigned judges to each of the fortified cities in Judah 6 and told them: Be careful when you make your decisions in court, because these are the LORD's people, and he will know what you decide. 7 So do your work in honor of him and know that he won't allow you to be unfair to anyone or to take bribes.

Passages like this show me two important things. 1 - That God has always been instructing that all people should be treated justly and in fairness. And - 2 - That the unjustness and unfairness we see today are in no way God's fault or will, but clear evidence of the "sinfulness" of humanity. It doesn't take much to see unfair decisions that do permanent damage to people. It's so easy to see power and self-interest bribe, steal, cheat, - or just change the rules to the way they want them because they can. I read such a story yesterday. But even in the "barbaric" Old Testament days, the knowledge that God desires justice, fair treatment of each person and service to the good of others was clear. I want to see this operating completely in my time, in my society. And I want to be a person who treats all others this way. Since I am not all Jesus wants me to be yet, I must work at this and learn where I am wrong. But it is my desire and with the Lord's help, I will.

Lord - I pray for Your Action, for Your People's Action, to correct the many unjust events of Power and Money. I pray that You will show me where I contribute to this loss of justice - either in my own actions and attitudes or in my associations. And will You show me the actions You want me to take so I can be part of Your Will and Way for my time.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Grooves in My Soul

2011-07-25T15:10:00.000-07:00

For Monday, July 25

Grooves in My Soul

2 Chronicles 14-16:14; Romans 9:1-24; Psalm 19:1-14; Proverbs 20:1 (click to read)

(2 Chronicles 14) Asa obeyed the LORD his God and did right. 3 He destroyed the local shrines and the altars to foreign gods. He smashed the stone images of gods and cut down the sacred poles used in worshiping the goddess Asherah.

In Chronicles, and in Kings, we often read about the "local shrines and altars." In both Israel and Judah, the people constantly left the worship of God alone and added worship to 'local deities, local gods.' It happened over and over again - not once or twice, but many times. What is it about our human nature that continually chooses ways beside God's ways? How is it that we cannot learn from history - our own or from others? The story in the Bible repeats again and again: the people or the king "add" other loyalties and do not obey God, God warns and punishes, and then sometimes the people own up to it quickly and God arranges the rescue. When such a story is repeated (pretty much the same every time) there is really a lesson for me. Do I make the same errors over and over again? Do I fail to trust Jesus and His Spirit in the same way time after time? It's like I have grooves in my soul that control directions - ruts in my spirit that are very difficult to leave. I must work at not only responding to the Holy Spirit positively when the Spirit speaks or warns, but I must fill in the ruts and create spiritual grooves that keep me on track with Christ day after day.

Lord Jesus - the most difficult work Your Spirit has in me seems to be changing my spiritual habits. Help me today as I seek to cover over back tracks and create some solid grooves that point me always to You.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Non-Coercive Power

2011-07-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

For Wednesday, July 20

Non-Coercive Power

2 Chronicles 1-3:17; Romans 6:1-23; Psalm 16:1-11; Proverbs 19:20-21 (click to read)

(Romans 6) 11 In the same way, you must think of yourselves as dead to the power of sin. But Christ Jesus has given life to you, and you live for God... 14 Don't let sin keep ruling your lives. You are ruled by God's kindness and not by the Law.

This amazing section of verses gives the key to Christian living. I can "get it" and "live it" by what I believe and think. How much do I believe that all my needs and wants - emphasis ALL - will be met by living in God's Grace? How much do I believe I have to make some of it happen in "not God" ways? That will define how much I think of myself "as dead to the power of sin." And the last part adds such a huge thought - believers are to be ruled by God's Grace, yet it is so normal to think of ourselves as ruled by God's Law. So instead of believing and acting on the conviction that God's way for me will supply ALL my needs and direct my wants His Way, I end up thinking God's Law is a limiting factor in my life, a wall and boundary that gets in the way of my life. If God's Grace is the only evaluation of my life, then I can freely try out God's way and reject the "sin marketing" going on in my heart, will, brain and culture. I'm still growing into this secret. And will keep growing into it.

Lord, I confess that at times I actually invite the power of sin to influence me. I don't fully believe that all You have for me is all I ever need. Help me to living into Your Grace more fully everyday. Let Your Kindness to me be the only power that influences my choices every moment.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

The Learning Attitude

2011-06-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

For Tuesday, June 28

The Learning Attitude

2 Kings 13-14:29; Acts 18:23-19:12; Psalm 146:1-10; Proverbs 18:2-3 (click to read)

(Proverbs 18:2) Fools have no desire to learn; they would much rather give their own opinion.

I recognize this verse as one the Lord sends my on a regular basis. I would rather say this in a more positive way: When I know something good, I am excited to (share, teach, tell) it. And another reinforcement on this - the new video ads for the coming Google+ say something like we tell and share because we are excited about something, not that others need to know what I think. So this Proverbs verse really drives me to evaluate my desire to learn and grow, my willingness to put my stuff aside to gain wisdom or maturity. To me, the other passages show good examples of both positive and negative actions on this principle. The positive example the Acts passage with Apollos who clearly knows a lot about the Bible and the Christian faith, and is a gifted teacher. Yet he humbly takes instruction and correction from others - and he gains personally and "professionally." The negative is from the story of King Amaziah, who does quite a bit well, but will not take the advice of King Jehoash. He would not take instruction and suffered for that greatly. I want to and must continually remind myself that there is more to learn. I want to improve what I do and think. I want to be humbly effective for Jesus, for family, for life.

Lord Jesus - be my Teacher and Guide. By Your Spirit, lead me daily into Your Truth and Your Way. Give me wisdom, insight, courage and focus to live more completely into Your Will every day.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Welcome That Bad News

2011-06-20T19:25:00.000-07:00

For Monday, June 20

Welcome That Bad News

1 Kings 22:1-53; Acts 13:16-41; Psalm 138:1-8; Proverbs 17:17-18 (click to read)

(1 Kings 22) 7 But Jehoshaphat said, "Just to make sure, is there another of the LORD's prophets we can ask?" 8 "We could ask Micaiah son of Imlah," Ahab said. "But I hate Micaiah. He always has bad news for me."

Surely it is obvious to us all - bad news, when accurate and especially when timely, is really good news. But how often am I tempted to "fudge" the details or circumstances to make the outcome fit what I want. I have discovered that I also have a "talent" for seeing only what I want to see, and for being one-sided in my selection of view. It leads, of course, to bad decisions. It leads to lack of wisdom. It leads to surprising failures, rather than to careful tactics or well thought out victories. The reality view is sometimes hard to embrace, yet it is the only foundation for success. That doesn't mean God is absent or that His Spirit is not part of the reality view - Jesus has His Plans and I want to be reality based in them. Just as Paul (in the Acts reading) goes to such great lengths to demonstrate both the resurrection of Jesus and the prophecies of that event, so I want to hear from God's Spirit, from any "Michaiah" person God sends my way. Ultimately, I want to be firmly based on God's reality so my choices are both "guaranteed" and "directed" in His Will.

Lord - Give me a mature ear, and mind to receive Your Input, be that a warning or an encouragement. Thank You for encouragements and insights that can lead me everyday into the center of what You are doing around me and for me.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Mercy Movement

2011-06-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

For Thursday, June 16

Mercy Movement

1 Kings 15:25-17:24; Acts 10:24-48; Psalm 134:1-3; Proverbs 17:9-11 (click to read)

(1 Kings 15) 33 Baasha son of Ahijah became king of Israel in Asa's third year as king of Judah, and he ruled twenty-four years from Tirzah. 34 Baasha also disobeyed the LORD by acting like Jeroboam, who had caused the Israelites to sin.

I know it's in the Bible but sometimes it seems quite unprofitable to read all this stuff about the kings of Judah and Israel. I was thinking about that as I read and maybe the Spirit told me something. Here's the nugget:
I like the lesson of the book of Judges in the Old Testament. It is a story of human frailty and God's continual mercy and grace in the face of justice and judgement needed. The story is about the whole people. I just noticed that the stories in this reading are about individual people - people who had the chance to follow God's instruction but then went the other way. And God does NOT wipe out the entire nation. God holds the leader responsible for how he leads and directions he takes. True, in most cases the family is destroyed, but not the whole people. It is, then, the advancing of grace as God works with one leader after another to find a faithful follower. In a century or so, the Bible will contain statements for full personal responsibility for actions and punishment, and here is God, demonstrating that His Grace moves from people to leaders to (eventually) the everyday person. God is very intent that I (we) know that even though God is completely righteous and will require justice, God is also gracious and merciful. So I (we) are invited to trust this mercy and become more and more His Disciple each day of our lives.

Lord Jesus - we humans are so demanding of mercy when we deserve none. We want justice to not apply to us, even while we demand You apply it to our enemies. I want to fully appreciate Your Amazing Mercy and Grace to me, and I want to help others appreciate and receive it as well. Thank You for Your Healing Grace.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Does God Care That Much?

2011-06-15T16:52:00.000-07:00

For Wednesday, June 15

Does God Care That Much?

1 Kings 14-15:24; Acts 10:1-23; Psalm 133:1-3; Proverbs 17:7-8 (click to read)

(Acts 10) 2 Cornelius was a very religious man. He worshiped God, and so did everyone else who lived in his house. He had given a lot of money to the poor and was always praying to God. 3 One afternoon at about three o'clock, Cornelius had a vision. He saw an angel from God coming to him and calling him by name.

I regularly talk with people who are going through difficult struggles. Of course, we all have these conversations. The believers sometimes struggle with feelings that God is not responding or not leading. There are very difficult times for all of us. What we are to decide and how God will deliver resources - these questions really cause us anxiety. Yet, the Bible and Jesus are clear that He knows, that He cares, that He is at work "for the good of those called according to His Purpose." This story is one such example. I see this as Cornelius really working at knowing God, following God's instructions and trying to put himself in position to be encountered by God. And I must say, upon reflection, it seems Cornelius worked at connecting with God's will more than I do sometimes. So here - in these reading - the Lord arranges a special appointment between Cornelius and Peter; just the perfect conversation. Does God care that much about one Roman soldier and one seeking household? It seems the answer is "definitely" and in this story I will take comfort and instruction that I, too, might receive just what I need at the right time.

Lord - First I ask that You make clear to all seeking Your Help and Guidance that You love them and that You are at work for their best. Second, I ask that I seek You and do Your Will as well, that I might also receive just the help and input I need at the right time. Third, my I tell of Your Actions and speak Your Praises to those in need, in hurt or in confusion.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Troublemakers Listen to Troublemakers

2011-06-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

For Monday, June 13

Troublemakers Listen to Troublemakers

1 Kings 11-12:19; Acts 9:1-25; Psalm 131:1-3; Proverbs 17:4-5 (click to read)

(1 Kings 12) 14 He (Rehoboam) spoke bluntly and told them exactly what his own advisors had suggested: "My father made you work hard, but I'll make you work even harder. He punished you with whips, but I'll use whips with pieces of sharp metal!"
(Psalm 131) 1 I am not conceited, LORD, and I don't waste my time on impossible schemes. 2 But I have learned to feel safe and satisfied,
(Proverbs 17) 4 Troublemakers listen to troublemakers, and liars listen to liars. 5 By insulting the poor, you insult your Creator

Wow - have three passages in one reading ever lined up like this!!?? I was impacted by the lack of humility and real leadership in Rehoboam's response to his potential nation. And I love the so, so accurate representation of the young (arrogant) advisers - "You think my daddy was tough? Well, let me tell you..." I felt the need to reflect on being humble, wise, reflective, seeking great things at the right times and seeking good things at all times in leadership decisions. How true that "troublemakers listen to troublemakers" - wisdom and integrity don't have a chance with someone like that. So here's my lesson - DON"T be someone like that. Think through my responses. What values do I want to communicate? Who do I want to honor - Jesus or me? How will I lead and decide for both faithful discipleship and the Spirit led "shepherding" of the people in my influence? Wow - object lesson supreme!

Lord Jesus: Create in me every day a humble spirit, from Your Humble Spirit. Help me measure carefully what I say and how I react. Give me courage to address what is needed and grace in my addressing it. I seek to be Your humble, honest, consistent ambassador to every one I meet.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Wonder if We Would Matter?

2011-06-07T12:07:00.000-07:00

For Tuesday, June 7

Wonder if We Would Matter?

1 Kings 2-3:2; Acts 5:1-42; Psalm 125:1-5; Proverbs 16:25 (click to read)

(Acts 5) 38 So I advise you to stay away from these men. Leave them alone. If what they are planning is something of their own doing, it will fail. 39 But if God is behind it, you cannot stop it anyway, unless you want to fight against God.

This statement from the leader Gamaliel seems pretty wise. Indeed, if God is "in it," it cannot be stopped by outside forces. I venture to say, however, that not everything God "is in" is successful or enduring. This might be a bit heretical, I know, but I have seen plenty of very Godly, Jesus following efforts simply not make it, and many that were not, succeed. Unlike some, I do not blame God for this. I lay this against the human heart and will. We say we want God's action in our lives, get a glimpse or vision of where this action is to lead, and then fail to let God lead it, let God change us, let God create what most happen. We default to "I imagined it, I can do it" forgetting it was His Spirit that brought the vision and His Power and Will that alone can do it. So - good advise from Gamaliel: leave us Jesus followers alone and one will be able to see if God is in it - or rather, if God is in us, transforming us, powering us, guiding us. If I want to matter, it will only happen if I let God matter to me - exclusively and totally.

Lord, I so often start well and then loose You to depend only on me. I have so much experience that clearly shows this does not work. It is only by following, submitting and being fully changed by You that this works at all. Help me focus on You and Your Work in me and through me today.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

What is That to You?!

2011-06-02T18:10:00.000-07:00

For Thursday, June 2

What is That to You?!

2 Samuel 19:11-20:13; John 21:1-25; Psalm 120:1-7; Proverbs 16:4-17 (click to read)

(Psalm 120) 7 I am in favor of peace, but when I speak of it, all they want is war.
(Just had to put this one in - it is SOOOO much what I experience these days)

(John 21) 22 Jesus answered, "What is it to you, if I want him to live until I return? You must follow me. "

It has taken me years to learn this. Well, in truth, I am still learning it. It is so natural for me, for us humans, to compare ourselves with others. It is our preferred way of evaluating and understanding. But Jesus does NOT want me doing that. Jesus wants me fully focused on following Him. His direction and will for me is specific and is not connected or dependent on what He is doing with others. But I constantly default to looking at others to see what He wants from me, or to decide what He should be doing with me and for me, or to convince myself I am OK with Him. All these are a waste of time and a diversion of focus. Jesus says to me "What is that to you? What I do with others is to be of no concern to you. YOU, follow me." Paul says something similar from another angle. My job is to listen to, love and follow Jesus. Period.

Lord - I desire to focus on You. Help me to offer myself in evaluation only to You. With Your Spirit's help, focus me on listen to You. Clear my mind and heart for any competing values or obstacles. I wish to listen to You alone. I know that You will instruct me through others at times, but I lean on Your love and grace for all my security.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Adventure

2011-05-26T16:56:00.000-07:00

For Thursday, May 26

Adventure

2 Samuel 9-11:27; John 15:1-27; Psalm 119:49-64; Proverbs 16:1-3 (click to read)

(John 15) 7 Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered...11 I have told you this to make you as completely happy as I am. (Psalm 119) 59 I pay careful attention as you lead me, and I follow closely. 60 As soon as you command, I do what you say.

Sure does appear from these verses that the Old and New Testament are pretty much alike. It is the personal attention and connection to God (and Jesus) that defines the dynamic life of faith. It is not the constant avoiding of wrong-doing, not the daily grind of obedience. It is, rather, the moment by moment effort to hear and follow the leading of the Spirit of God. It is to take each moment and turn it into the adventure of being committed to do whatever Jesus says to do. This is living, not just waiting, or fearing, or keeping safe. This daring and the opposite of what is often defined as life. I need to continually work and focus on this, so my moment by moment days are filled with the Spirit's leading and I have the joy of Christ in me.

Lord - I so often move away from You rather than toward You when there are decisions to make or actions to take. Keep whispering, singing, guiding and leading me. I want Your Life to be mine, and Your Joy to be my experience.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

The "Right" to be Praised

2011-05-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

For Tuesday, May 24

The "Right" to be Praised

2 Samuel 4-6:23; John 13:31-14:14; Psalm 119:17-32; Proverbs 15:31-32 (click to read)

(Psalm 119) 20 What I want most of all and at all times is to honor your laws. 21 You punish those boastful, worthless nobodies who turn from your commands. 22 Don't let them sneer and insult me for following you.

The Psalmist is very clear about his desire to humbly and gratefully follow the instructions from God. (The John passage is VERY clear that to know and follow Jesus IS to know and follow God) Vs 22 of the Psalm really makes an impact on me - a sort of sideways impact. Certainly, none of us want to be sneered at by others, none of us enjoy being ridiculed. But our desire to follow Christ must be more powerful than our dislike of being insulted. OK, so far so good. But I also think when we believers get angry and insult back at those who do not honor our faith, we have lost our way. We are stuck in a pride situation, we place ourselves expecting to be honored or praised for what we believe and how we live out our faith. This will often NOT be the case. My willingness to "lose my life" as Jesus says must include me giving up the supposed right to be treated well for faith. I must be much more humble and not be aggressively angry, physically hostile or wish harm or death to someone who disagrees with me - even if they ridicule me. I must also give this part of my life to Christ as well, or I have place my pride or my dignity above Christ. That would be just one more idol in my life, and I don't want it.

Lord - Help me to continually grow in my love and devotion to You. Help me to gain skill and attitude in humble and grateful service to You. And help me to know that I must give up my "right" to be praised, for it is only Your Praise and Your Glory I will seek.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Half and Half

2011-05-19T16:27:00.000-07:00

For Thursday, May 19

Half and Half

1 Samuel 24-25:44; John 10:22-42; Psalm 116:1-19; Proverbs 15:20-21 (click to read)

1 Samual 25) 10 This is what he (Nabal) said: Who does this David think he is? That son of Jesse is just one more slave on the run from his master, and there are too many of them these days.

Wow! This rich and powerful man could be in yesterday's newspaper or media clip. "There's too many of those people." Sure do hear that a lot! And note how he personally attacks David as a run away slave - when he is, in fact, a commander in Israel's army. This arrogant attitude of privilege is SO common among those with fame or money or power or status. So evil, so wrong.

But that's not what I should write about. I should reflect that here is one more passage that identifies a woman as the wise person and God representative in the Old Testament. It almost seems like a throw away story, but here she is. Abigail brings words of wisdom, spoken with real class and care. She tells David that God (and she) are saving David from sinning and disaster. She presents the best decision David could make, and succeeds in convincing him to let his revenge go, let his pride be bigger, and sets the stage for a life change. God has always used both genders to do His Will.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for this example of Your Will and Way being in each "half" of the human creation. The Image of God is clearly present in both, and I thank You for the women who have been mentors, leaders, partners and examples to me.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Knowing His Voice

2011-05-18T18:45:00.000-07:00

For Wednesday, May 18

Knowing His Voice

1 Samuel 22-23:29; John 10:1-21; Psalm 115:1-18; Proverbs 15:18-19 (click to read)

(John 10) The sheep know their shepherd's voice. He calls each of them by name and leads them out. 4 When he has led out all of his sheep, he walks in front of them, and they follow, because they know his voice.

Five times the word "know" is used in the John reading; four times the word "voice."

You know how it is - you answer the phone and the person on the other end says "Hi" - and then nothing else. They expect you will know who it is. They expect that the sound of their voice will be all you need. If this is a family member or friend, it probably is enough. If it's a boss, it probably is enough. When it is a spouse, child or parent - it's completely automatic. This is how Jesus says my relationship Him will be. This is how each believer navigates life, decisions and actions. This is how I never had to wonder what God wants me to do or say. I know His voice, and so I know where He leads. He walks in front and speaks so I can follow with confidence and responsiveness. Therefore - I will listen more, practice recognizing more, following more, listening for Him ahead of me all the time.

Lord - I confess there are times I have stopped listening - forgive me and sharpen my ears. I confess there are times I hear but do not follow - strengthen my devotion. I declare I believe You are ahead of me always, and Your voice I want to hear every time You speak.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

That's Far Enough, Jesus

2011-05-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

For Thursday, May 12

That's Far Enough, Jesus

1 Samuel 12-13:23; John 7:1-30; Psalm 108:1-13; Proverbs 15:4 (click to read)

(John 7) 17 If you really want to obey God, you will know if what I teach comes from God or from me.

This is one of Jesus' most "on target" statements to me. If I, if you really want to obey God, all we need to do is look at the challenging and deep things Jesus says are part of a Christ following life, and we will know He has led us to the Father. That begs the question, what other motives might I have instead of wanting to obey God? Reflecting on my experience with others, I know plenty of people whose motivation seems to be to prove God is not as righteous as the Bible says. They are regularly looking for ways their own thinking is more just than God's instructions (or their version of those instructions). This kind of rebellion to God's instructions, to Jesus' guidance, is not only found in those who are resistant or maybe concerned they might choose wrong. It is also found in believers, in me, as I look for reasons not to be fully submitted to Him, to not be transformed. We often want to keep our ways of thinking and attitudes toward life and others. We know what Jesus says is deeper and challenging - we just aren't sure we want to take His Lordship that far.

Lord Jesus, it is easy for me to see when others are resisting Your Lordship in their lives. It is far more difficult for me to see in in me. I am grateful You have sent Your Spirit to educate and direct me. Help me today to trust Your Wisdom and follow Your Guidance through each issue and question. I want to know God's Will for me.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

God's Been Waiting

2011-05-11T16:02:00.000-07:00

For Wednesday, May 11

God's Been Waiting

1 Samuel 10-11:15; John 6:43-71; Psalm 107:1-43; Proverbs 15:1-3 (click to read)

(John 6) 43Jesus told them: Stop grumbling! 44No one can come to me, unless the Father who sent me makes them want to come. But if they do come, I will raise them to life on the last day. 45One of the prophets wrote, "God will teach all of them." And so everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him will come to me.

Don't miss the reference to the Old Testament. My footnote says this refers to an Isaiah passage, but I think Jeremiah also says a similar thing. So why mention this? Because it shows me how long (in human years) God has been "planning" to bring us to Himself as individuals, as creations He loves. Jesus is clear in the passage God creates the stirring in our spirits that draw us to Him. I see in John 6 the implication that, even after God creates the spiritual hunger in me, I still have to follow through. I have to respond, accept, grow. To quote a Dallas Willard statement I heard today: "Grace is opposed to earning but not opposed to effort." God has been waiting for me for forever. I still make Him wait as times, I still short out the process, I still tear down some of what His Spirit has built. But God waits, waves, and welcomes at all times. It makes me very humble and very grateful.

Father God - You have put the spiritual desire in my life, just as You created the spiritual components of who I am. You have always planned to teach me, lead me, transform me. I am so grateful in knowing that You wait for me to respond to Your Grace, and I do, Thank You.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

2011-05-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

For Tuesday, May 10

God's Laser Like Focus

1 Samuel 8-9:27; John 6:22-42; Psalm 106:32-48; Proverbs 14:34-35 (click to read)

(John 6) 38 I didn't come from heaven to do what I want! I came to do what the Father wants me to do. He sent me, 39 and he wants to make certain that none of the ones he has given me will be lost. Instead, he wants me to raise them to life on the last day. 40 My Father wants everyone who sees the Son to have faith in him and to have eternal life. Then I will raise them to life on the last day.

I confess that my heart sings when I read this. I am overcome with a combination of humility, gratitude and inspiration. This combination of the Father and the Son working so "all who sees the Son" will have faith and not be lost is the most gracious, loving action possible from God to us, from Jesus to me. The struggles of the day are one thing, even the losses the hurt the most are another, but none really compare with the timeless action and promise found here. Jesus come to earth for several reasons, one being to tell us Who God really is and What God really wants. It turns out, God wants you, God wants me, God wants our faith, devotion, response and active service to His Will. I don't know how others see this desire of God, but I see it as an indescribable privilege. And I will accept and respond.

Jesus - to think, to understand, that giving this message to me, to us humans, that is so astounding. And we have such a difficult time believing it, a struggle to have faith. By Your Spirit, convince me, convince us every day of Your Great Love and Grace so that we may not be lost.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Turn the Light On

2011-05-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

For Friday, May 6

Turn the Light On

Ruth 2-4:22; John 4:43-54; Psalm 105:16-36; Proverbs 14:26-27 (click to read)

(Ruth 3) 18 Naomi replied, "Just be patient and don't worry about what will happen. He won't rest until everything is settled today!"

Reading through this story, one is impressed with the integrity of the characters. Naomi is wise and understands what rights are hers and Ruth's. Ruth follows through with assertion and lives into each opportunity, but does not over step. She clearly asks if the rights of gleaning are being given to her, as she is not Jewish. Boaz goes through every step with integrity and strategy to complete both his responsibility to others and to his relatives. (I have wondered about the order of presentation regarding the field AND the woman, but have concluded he is trying to avoid being accused of hiding the land acquisition from a closer relative.) So, for me today, this emphasis on transparent integrity and action are in the spotlight. I want my life to display this same Godly wisdom. Seeing how Boaz is trusted in the story, this is my goal as well.

Lord - You have instructed me to carry out my life according to Your Will, with transparency, humility and integrity. I see it played out here and ask that You help me grow my next step, next level in being Your Man in these ways.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

2011-05-05T12:59:00.000-07:00

For Thursday, May 5

title

Judges 21:1-25; Ruth 1:1-22; John 4:4-42; Psalm 105:1-15; Proverbs 14:25 (click to read)

(Ruth 1) Elimelech from the tribe of Ephrath lived in the town of Bethlehem. His wife was named Naomi, and their two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. But when their crops failed, they moved to the country of Moab.

The story in the book of Ruth is generally accepted as true. Matthew mentions Ruth in the lineage of Jesus and that chapter in Matthew, with the mention of four women (non-Jews!!), has always been insightful for me. This opening line of Ruth presents an interesting problem - the family's crops failed. Did everyone's? The CEV version is unclear, but other translations imply it. Were they the only family to move? Could well be. Here's my point: This passage (click) says that the people around them were supposed to support and provide for the family. It seems they did not. Perhaps they could not, perhaps there was so little that none had enough. But when they return home, some of the people had gotten wealthy (Boaz for example). So I'm thinking there is an implication here that the people of that town did not follow the Lord's instruction about care for the poor. We are pretty sure that the major law from God that leveled the economic playing field (Year of Jubilee) was never followed. Here is another likely instance of money being more important than following God. So - what - broken human stuff. No wonder Jesus talked so very much about money and it's power of us. One more reminder for me to watch my own weakness in this area.

Jesus - I have been aware of some of the times the god of money has been my ruler instead of You. Help me to grow my trust every day even as I deliberately release my hold on things, and pry myself from it's hold. Help me serve You more fully every day.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

To Infinity and Beyond...for My Sins

2011-05-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

For Monday, May 2

To Infinity and Beyond...for My Sins

Judges 15-16:31; John 2:1-25; Psalm 103:1-22; Proverbs 14:17-19 (click to read)

(Psalm 103) 12 How far has the LORD taken our sins from us? Farther than the distance from east to west!
13 Just as parents are kind to their children, the LORD is kind to all who worship him, 14 because he knows we are made of dust.

These are wonderful verses for me with Easter just past. Each year of my life makes me realize how fabulously gracious God is to me. And these verses tell me of God's attitude toward me and you. They fit so will with the story of The Prodigal God we have looked at for six weeks. Just to reflect a bit - how far is east from west? Infinitely far! Not north and south, mind you - you keep going north and you start going south. But you never go west when you start going east. My sins - as far as God is concerned - are in INFINITE distance from me. And why does God treat me like that - because God sees me as His child and knows my fragility. You know, at times I think I suffer quite a bit, but certainly not to the extent my suffering could be or what I deserve re: eternal justice. What grace I live in - what a joy and motivation to turn and run God's direction - both to God and for God.

Jesus Christ - As I prayed this Easter, I was so impacted by Your Sacrifice for me. And in this Psalm, I see Your Fantastic Love and Mercy expressed in terms I can understand. I praise You so much and will never stop thanking You for Your Tender Grace and Thorough Love.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

A True Son

2011-04-18T19:09:00.000-07:00

For Monday, April 18

A True Son

Joshua 16-18:28; Luke 19:1-27; Psalm 87:1-7; Proverbs 13:11 (click to read)

(Luke 19) 8Later that day Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "I will give half of my property to the poor. And I will now pay back four times as much to everyone I have ever cheated." 9Jesus said to Zacchaeus, "Today you and your family have been saved, because you are a true son of Abraham.

This is one of my favorite stories about the impact of Jesus on people's lives. I think I like it because of this outburst from Zacchaeus. I don't know if this was a burst of guilt he needed to get rid of, or an explosion of passion for this One who fully accepted him despite the rejection of all others, or maybe just an over the top silly expression of faith desire. (I had one of those at least once). But the real kicker to me is Jesus' response: "You are a true son of Abraham." Wow! For this man who represented the taxation power of Rome, who likely was angry and bitter over his rejection and thus over-charged people, who had probably resigned himself to never be accepted - what words these must have been. And my job is to figure out what Jesus meant, but clearly being such a "true son" is a good thing. And I'm guessing it has a lot more to do with the faith and trust Abraham showed in his life, than what his gene pool did. Zacchaeus seems to be a model of flash inspiration, confession, restitution and getting on with faithful living. He just went for it! So must I.

Lord - so often I see that I have been less than fully devoted to Your Call. I have played it safe, hedged my bets, allowed fear and anxiety to be more powerful than Faith, Hope and Love. In this season where I remember Your great Sacrifice and Grace for me, take me up a level or two. I, too, want to be a true son of Abraham.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Forgetting to Ask

2011-04-14T17:38:00.000-07:00

For Thursday, April 14

Forgetting to Ask

Joshua 9:3-10:43; Luke 16:19-17:10; Psalm 83:1-18; Proverbs 13:4 (click to read)

(Joshua 9) 14 The Israelites tried some of the food, but they did not ask the LORD if he wanted them to make a treaty. 15 So Joshua made a peace treaty with the messengers and promised that Israel would not kill their people.

This story is so human and so "me." In truth, I don't think Jesus wants us to be helpless and wavering until we are totally sure heard from Him. The passage about seeking wisdom implies the back and forth we sometimes have is not a good faith stance. But that does not mean to relay on me only. In Proverbs, the implication is I DO have some good knowledge, but that must not be my final resort. Instead, I am to ask for the Spirit's guidance and insight for decisions. So the relationship is dynamic and my attitude is to be one of humility, patience and trust, even while I do my best to figure it out. There is an additional warning here that I notice - the leaders were asked to do something that was different from God's standard instruction in this situation. They did not ask the Lord if He wanted this change or variance in the action. Principle - follow God's instruction to me unless He is clear there is something else going on. Moral of the story - I'm not as wise as I think I am.

Lord Jesus - Help me to submit all my decisions to You. I know I do not do that well. I also know You want me maturing in the Image of Christ, so that my life reflects Him. Help me know You better and better and always be attentive to Your insight and instruction in my choices each day.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

2011-04-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

For Monday, April 11

Everyone Must Have His/Her Own

Joshua 3-4:24; Luke 14:7-35; Psalm 80:1-19; Proverbs 12:27-28 (click to read)

(Joshua 4) 22-23 Tell them, "The LORD our God dried up the Jordan River so we could walk across. He did the same thing here for us that he did for our people at the Red Sea, 24 because he wants everyone on earth to know how powerful he is."

The story of Joshua becoming the leader of Israel has many learning points, and not a few items of "luck" - you know, God stuff. The need to have his leadership demonstrated and validated is clear and wise. But that is not the only validation needed here. This generation of the Hebrews had NOT seen the Red Sea part or the Egyptians drown. They had not seen the miracles of the plagues. They needed their own "Red Sea" experience, and so God gave them that. They saw and experienced the flooding Jordan River stop, stand up for them and let them pass. Everyone must have his or her own experience of God and God's Love and Grace. The stresses and struggles of life will tear away any faith that is only grounded in someone else's story. I need mine, but mine will not do for my children or friends. God will provide it for them, and I will pray and plan so that becomes possible for every person I care about.

Lord God - I ask that You help me be articulate and clear about my trust and love for You. But I know everyone needs their own, so I want to be Your partner in helping those I love (and You love) experience You, Your Love, Grace Power and Transforming Work.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

We Just Can't Do It

2011-04-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

For Thursday, April 7

We Just Can't Do It

Deuteronomy 31-32:27; Luke 12:8-34; Psalm 78:32-55; Proverbs 12:21-23 (click to read)

(Psalm 78) 36 But they tried to flatter God, and they told him lies; 37 they were unfaithful and broke their promises. 38 Yet God was kind. He kept forgiving their sins and didn't destroy them. He often became angry, but never lost his temper. 39 God remembered that they were made of flesh and were like a wind that blows once and then dies down.

Catching up on my reading, I read verse after verse of blessing for obedience and curses for disobedience. Then a theological thought hit me (from the Spirit?). God, Who is "outside" of time, knew, already knew the Israelites would, had disobeyed, that they had broken their agreement with God over and over again. So maybe these blessings and curses were more than motivation, more than the agreement. Maybe they were this lesson: "You say you want to follow God and live in relationship with Him, but even when your greatest wishes would come try if you did, and the most terrible curses would happen if you do not, you STILL can't do it. You humans are just very broken, very weak, very lost. You just can't do it." This idea gets verified in today's reading in Deuteronomy and in the Psalm retelling of their history. The macro lesson is "We - I - just can't do it" and so very desperately need the Holy Spirit's help, transformation, and re-creation. Wow! What a lesson - from the Old Testament!

Lord God - One more time I confess my brokenness, lostness, weakness, and total lack of ability to be what and who You want me to be. By Your Spirit, guide, instruct, transform, re-create me as I trust in Your Unfailing Love and Boundless Grace.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Prayer Dilemmas

2011-04-04T13:52:00.000-07:00

For Monday, April 4

Prayer Dilemmas

Deuteronomy 26-27:26; Luke 10:38-11:13; Psalm 76:1-12; Proverbs 12:15-17 (click to read)

(Luke 10) 9 So I tell you to ask and you will receive, search and you will find, knock and the door will be opened for you. 10 Everyone who asks will receive, everyone who searches will find, and the door will be opened for everyone who knocks.

Reading the "Lord's Prayer" in a modern translation is always a joy. The absolute beauty and devotion of the petitions I am to make to God is wonderful. Jesus follows with the above verses. I got a jolt from them today. My prayer dilemma is often the conflict between going on and on about something in prayer, and the fact that God already knows all my needs and desires, and these verses (and others) that direct me not to give up praying about things, even specific requests. I tend to error on the side of not asking enough because I believe God knows and because I want God's will. Yet, if I do not put effort and focus into these things - including prayer time - I do not put myself in the position of hearing the whispers of God's Spirit, or getting myself ready for what God wants to do. So I will increase my seeking and asking, that I might find and be found in God's will and way.

Lord God - I submit to You again the various needs of my life, the desires You have created in me. I offer in prayer my hopes and wishes for family and friends. And I seek and ask for Your Work and Will for the congregation I am part of, the city and the nation I am part of. Help me, help us all to find, and I will gratefully praise and honor You.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

My Optics are Myopic

2011-03-31T15:50:00.000-07:00

For Thursday, April 1

My Optics are Myopic

Deuteronomy 18-20:20; Luke 9:28-50; Psalm 73:1-28; Proverbs 12:10 (click to read)

(Deuteronomy 19) 2-4 you must choose three of your towns to be Safe Towns. Divide the land into three regions with one Safe Town near the middle of each, so that a Safe Town can be easily reached from anywhere in your land.

In the course of the early books of the Bible (the Pentateuch), these Safe Towns are really emphasized. They are mentioned so often that I feel the need to understand more than just "protected living towns" or "Cities of Refuge." Was this necessary because the idea of revenge (no matter what) was so dominant among the people? God is clear that those who intentionally harm others should be punished, but for these accidents, special protection and provision needed to be made. Having done some research on this (not normal for me with devotional reading), I cannot say I know anymore. But a couple of things stand out as learning possibilities: 1) God really wants us to understand accident vs intent; 2) The implication is that human pride, hurt and revenge are very difficult parts of our lives to control, they must be surrendered; 3) Our (my) view of fairness and justice is so subjective and skewed that I cannot be trusted to act appropriately - I must trust God for these actions. Jesus said so, too.

Lord Jesus - my ability, or even my willingness, to see things as You see things, to view people as you view people, this is some of the major tranformation work You do on me. Help me to always be learning that my views are in need of work, and Your Views are wisdom for me.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

It Couldn't Be Clearer

2011-03-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

For Wednesday, March 30

It Couldn't Be Clearer

Deuteronomy 13-15:23; Luke 8:40-9:6; Psalm 71:1-24; Proverbs 12:5-7 (click to read)

7 After the LORD your God gives land to each of you, there may be poor Israelites in the town where you live. If there are, then don't be mean and selfish with your money. 8 Instead, be kind and lend them what they need. 9 Be careful! Don't say to yourself, " Soon it will be the seventh year, and then I won't be able to get my money back." It would be horrible for you to think that way and to be so selfish that you refuse to help the poor.

God could not be any clearer. He declares that the poor should never be without resource. He is very clear that the "seventh year" threat of not being paid back must never enter the decision to give the under-resourced what they need for food, life, housing, etc. This is just the opposite of our economic system and just the opposite of what is happening in all the budget decisions being made at governmental levels. And to those Christians who have said that God instructs individuals but not governments - Not true at all! These instructions and many others here are instructions to government systems as well as people. These are the marks of a people who follow God, who trust in God.

Lord - You have given blessing to me and to the land and people in which I live. Help me to be kind and generous as You instruct. And help me influence this people and land to follow Your instructions regarding the needs of the poor in our towns and states.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

2011-03-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

For Tuesday, March 22

Selling God Short

Numbers 33:40-35:34; Luke 5:12-28; Psalm 65:1-13; Proverbs 11:23 (click to read)

(Luke 15) 12 When the man saw Jesus, he knelt down to the ground in front of Jesus and begged, "Lord, you have the power to make me well, if only you wanted to." 13 Jesus put his hand on him and said, "I want to! Now you are well." At once the man's leprosy disappeared.

This section has suddenly caused me to wonder: "Am I selling God short?" You know, am I thinking of God in a way less then I should? Am I actually (not in theory - I know God is All and can do All) living in a way that worships, prays, listens, obeys, responds, that both honors God's greatness and anticipates God wonderful action? I say this, think this and pray this today because these verses are "my" verses. These are the verses I prayed every day as I went through chemo, waited for test results, and wondered if I would recover. And I did recover - or, rather, God healed me (whether through the medical action or not doesn't matter to me). But, now, this day, and with the challenge of the series we are going through in worship, I wonder: Am I living as if there is no more God can do with me? No more healing? No more transformation? No more unexpected ministry or experiences? I must reflect and pray on this, for I fear it is in some ways true. And I really do not want that to be so.

Lord - You are Healer, Transformer, Redeemer and You are not finished doing Your Work in me and through me. Help me this day to turn to You where I have stopped, and to allow You to remove obstacles with which I am blocking Your Will and Your Way in me. "You have the power..."

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Attention Deficit

2011-03-17T17:43:00.000-07:00

For Thursday, March 17

Attention Deficit

Numbers 26:1-51; Luke 2:36-52; Psalm 60:1-12; Proverbs 11:15 (click to read)

(Luke 2) 40 The child Jesus grew. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him... 52 Jesus became wise, and he grew strong. God was pleased with him and so were the people.

These are two of the most amazing verses, when I think about it. They say Jesus, Son of God, Miracle Birth, Healer, Sanity Maker, Savior of the World...they say this ONE lived and grew in a normal human manner. Wait, what??!! Think about that - the "mechanism" God used to develop and grow His Son the Savior are the same patterns that I (we all) go through. He grew strong (physical growth), wise (intellectual growth), pleased God (spiritual growth) and pleased people (relational growth). Now I am totally there that Jesus was special, but Jesus did not get special treatment or get a special process. Just the same as all humans. So this says to me, that if God can use all the normal life processes that I go through to "grow" Jesus, God can do amazing things through those same processes with me. The difference is my attention, not God's.

Lord, God, Teacher, Growth Consultant, Creator, Sculptor, Goal of History and Savior of My Life - shape and direct me now. Give my mind and heart new capability to hear You, see You, follow You and be Yours.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Not Indulging My Own Importance

2011-03-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

For Tuesday, March 15

Not Indulging My Own Importance

Numbers 22:21-23:30; Luke 1:57-80; Psalm 58:1-11; Proverbs 11:12-13 (click to read)

(Numbers 22) 38" I'm here now," Balaam answered. " But I will say only what God tells me to say."

A couple of things strike me. One is that God (like in Egypt before) is fully aware of and involved with "non-Hebrews". Now this should not be a surprise, since I (we) believe God is God of all. But that means God can speak through and use as examples or leaders those who are non-Hebrew, and -- I ask -- non-Christian? Am I to be alert to the fact that God being God of all might choose to get a message or instruction to me through a non-believer? I believe that is true, but I must confess that I seldom have my "whisper-antenna" on when in conversation and contact with people of "non-faith." Second, the temptation to "say" more than God tells me is very strong. I struggled with that yesterday. I have prayed in meetings and conversations about whether I should say a particular thing or not. It is an act of humility and service to say only what God tells me. And, of course, that's what it means to be ambassadors for Christ. I am not to indulge my own importance by saying more than what Jesus wants me to say. I want to represent Him, not me about Him.

Lord, As I live, interact, decide and reflect, help me continually grow in my knowledge and experience of You. I need to know You more and more, so that my obligations and opportunities to speak for You are discharged with accuracy, completeness and humility that points only to You.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Not Nearly Enough

2011-03-11T15:54:00.000-08:00

For Friday, March 11

Not Nearly Enough

Numbers 15:17-16:40; Mark 15:1-47; Psalm 54:1-7; Proverbs 11:5-6 (click to read)

(Psalm 54) 1 Come with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with your might. 2 Listen to my prayer, O God. Pay attention to my plea.

The combination of the readings seems coordinated to teach something to me. I'm not quite sure what, so I am asking the Holy Spirit to whisper to me as I write. The Numbers passage contains the rebellion of Korah and crew against Moses and Aaron. The result: the rebels are swallowed by the ground by some sort of sink hole or crevasse. In a opposite way in Mark, Jesus is falsely accused and condemned by the powers that be. Even though He prays for rescue, it does not come. No judgment seen for the rebels here. Then in Psalms, the write calls upon the Lord for rescue, and from the last verses, it seems rescue has come. I guess one way to look at it is the only godly person NOT rescued was Jesus. One could say Jesus' non-rescue is the basis for the rescues for others. One could say God seeks the best help for His People at the ultimate price to Himself. That probably gives me my lesson, for the Psalmist says he will give a voluntary offering (not a commanded-in-the-law offering) and will praise the Lord for the Lord is Good and has Rescued him. Wham - how many times have I given voluntary offerings (above and beyond) and praised the Lord for His Work in my life. Not many - not near enough - not even close to compare to His Rescuing Work.

Lord Jesus - I praise You today for Your daily rescue of my spirit and soul, for the monster rescues at times of great need in my life, and for Your Ultimate Rescue - that which I could in no way imagine, much less help. You are Great, You are Good, You are Lord.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

I've Given Up Guessing

2011-03-07T19:30:00.000-08:00

For Monday, March 7

I've Given Up Guessing

Numbers 8-9:23; Mark 13:14-37; Psalm 50:1-23; Proverbs 10:29-30 (click to read)

(Mark 13) 35 So be alert! You don't know when the master of the house will come back. It could be in the evening or at midnight or before dawn or in the morning. 36 But if he comes suddenly, don't let him find you asleep.

I was once very versed and alert to all the Second Coming of Christ details and intricacies. But then I really took to heart Jesus saying "you don't know when." And one wise believer asked me "what difference it makes as to when." That's when the idea in these verses become the most important part of all Jesus said about His Return. I want to be actively faithful for His Will and Kingdom when Jesus returns. And if I have been faithful in this until the end of my life, so much the better. I cannot know the "when" and I would not want to be in cruise just because His Arrival would be months or years off. I want to be a faithful servant for Him every day. Oh, sure, there are days I am not at my best. There are days I am living out of habit and not devotion. There are times when I am not listening enough or responding with eager love. But for these times and days, I am forgiven. But - O God, don't let me take Your Gracious Forgiveness as an excuse to be less devoted than I could be, less responsive than I want to be or less a follower than You call me to be.

May Your Grace, Dear Jesus, always inspire me to more devotion and service, rather than be an excuse to ease up or let my focus on You waiver. May Your Mercy always call more energy and love from me, and never an excuse to be lazy or negligent.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

God Forbid

2011-03-03T20:08:00.000-08:00

For Thursday, March 3

God Forbid

Leviticus 27:14-34; Numbers 1:1-54; Mark 11:1-26; Psalm 46:1-11; Proverbs 10:23 (click to read)

(Mark 11) 16 Jesus would not let anyone carry things through the temple. 17 Then he taught the people and said, "The Scriptures say, `My house should be called a place of worship for all nations.'

This is such an important and powerful passage. This is particularly true because it happens just before Jesus' arrest and martyrdom. There are a number of principles in the story, but, for me, the most important is: The worship of God does not belong to me - it belongs to God. The location of worship does not belong to me, nor the building, nor the practices, nor the officials. It all belongs to God and God wants "all nations" to be welcome, present and connected to God and to each other. It is so easy to think of "my church" or "the right songs" or "the correct way to teach" etc. Yet, I am there to worship, serve, welcome, escort, prayer and praise. Sure, there are some specific things Jesus was upset about, but those things happened because the people in power thought the place was theirs. God forbid that I think that way.

Lord - I have a tendency to think that once I have learned an important truth, I'm done adjusting. But I see how easy it is for me to think of Your Worship and all around it as "mine." Help me see it always as Yours and "for all nations." I desire to help that happen, so guide me as Yours as well.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

One Year Enough for Three

2011-03-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

For Tuesday, March 1

One Year Enough for Three

Leviticus 24-25:46; Mark 10:13-31; Psalm 44:9-26; Proverbs 10:20-21 (click to read)

(Leviticus 25) 35 If any of your people become poor and unable to support themselves, you must help them, just as you are supposed to help foreigners who live among you. 36-37 Don't take advantage of them by charging any kind of interest or selling them food for profit. Instead, honor me by letting them stay where they now live.

How incredibly different these instructions for dealing with financial distress are from what we do in our economic (and moral) system. (Economic decisions ARE moral decisions) And how completely opposite the expectations and actions of those with money and power are in these verses compared to what is happening today and in these years. When we "threw out" the Old Testament system of worship and sacrifice, it appears we also threw out God's instruction of how we are to treat our neighbor. I wonder when that happened. I wonder if there are very many Christian groups at all that ever practiced this. It sure isn't capitalism as we know it today. And it strikes me in the heart that this kind of living absolutely makes materials things second or third to people, to love and to God. Would I ever dare to believe the promise of God that my results of the sixth year's efforts would be enough for that year, the seventh year Sabbath, and the eighth year's plantings? These verses challenge me strongly to pray over and consider my financial priorities, how I handle what He has given, and how I participate in this financial system in which I find myself.

Lord of All I Have and Am - These verses tell me that You want Your Ways, Your Love, and the People around me to be much more important than my accumulation, power and status. It is so clear that You want me caring for others more than things - so much so that I freely give to others of these things. Continue to free my heart and spirit from the things of this earth, to be more and more attached to You and Your Will.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Normal Life Disrupted

2011-02-23T09:01:00.000-08:00

For Wednesday, February 24

Normal Life Disrupted

Leviticus 14:1-57; Mark 6:30-56; Psalm 40:1-10; Proverbs 10:11-12 (click to read)

(Psalm 40) 5 You, LORD God, have done many wonderful things, and you have planned marvelous things for us. No one is like you! I would never be able to tell all you have done. 6 Sacrifices and offerings are not what please you; gifts and payment for sin are not what you demand. But you made me willing to listen and obey.

I first started thinking about the crowd that Jesus was teaching (the Mark passage). I noticed the disciples saying "let the people go home." I thought 'was Jesus making them stay?'. No, they were choosing to stay - past food time, past time to walk home, because Jesus was still teaching. And healing, I guess. They are so hungry and desirous of knowing what God was saying through Christ that they left normal life for a while to hear and understand. That is the desire I need every day. Then the Psalm passage hit - "But you have made me willing to listen and obey." I am reading about all these sacrifices in Leviticus and the precise instructions, and the Psalmist says "sacrifices and offerings are not what pleases you!" And these people in Mark are sacrificing normal life, eating, getting home, because they were willing and eager to listen and to obey. This is a great definition of effective spiritual life - that I do not default to any habit or pattern, no matter how complicated, but rather listen, seek, obey, wait, act, follow.

Jesus Christ - Your Spirit has totally impacted me today with the combination of these passages. Your Word to me is so clear - listen, obey, seek, act. I do not always live my spiritual life that way, but I want to. Help me improve in this today. I will listen and obey today.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Just One More Way of Denial

2011-02-18T10:49:00.000-08:00

For Friday, February 18

Just One More Way of Denial

Leviticus 6-7:27; Mark 3:7-30; Psalm 37:1-11; Proverbs 10:3-4 (click to read)

(Psalm 37) 7 Be patient and trust the LORD. Don't let it bother you when all goes well for those who do sinful things. 8 Don't be angry or furious. Anger can lead to sin.

So much bad can happen when I am impatient and frantic. I see this in all aspects of my life. Who hasn't suffered the consequences of making a rash decision because of self-imposed pressure, or of giving in to despair and then making things worse. This verse invites me away from the mindset that everything at all times must be fair (as I see it). And as I grow into this, I have seen that they also invite me away from excuses and denial. When I focus on what is happening to another, I am not focusing on my own responsibility so much. I can tell myself "if THAT's the way its gonna be, why try?" Or "being focused and disciplined never pays off." It is a very attractive way to turn away from my relationship with Christ and the commitments and promises I have made, and focus my energy in being disgruntled and cynical. This kind of anger pretty much opens the door to sin - to a disruption of my relationship with God and to potential damage to others - all the time.

Jesus - I want to be very attentive to You and Your Spirit, so that today is a day of trust, hope and endurance. Give me that great combination of a satisfied yet growing Spirit, that I will be able to trust, wait, act and follow - because You are my Lord.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Great Moments Are the Enemy of Great Movements

2011-02-16T17:32:00.000-08:00

For Wednesday, February 16

Great Moments Are the Enemy of Great Movements

Leviticus 1-3:17; Mark 1:29-2:12; Psalm 35:17-28; Proverbs 9:13-18 (click to read)

35 Very early the next morning, Jesus got up and went to a place where he could be alone and pray....38 Jesus replied, "We must go to the nearby towns, so that I can tell the good news to those people. This is why I have come."

When Jesus feels the need to pray, it seems, he really gets away and prays. And when He is finished, His mission and focus are renewed. He is reported to pray at very critical times as He lived out His mission: choosing the apostles and the pre-cross decisions, for example. Here, I look back at previous verses and the trigger seems to be His incredible popularity and the immense good He was doing in healing and "good news-ing". So perhaps He was communing with the Father and Spirit to decide "Is this it? Have I reached the sweet spot of my mission? Have I arrived so soon?" He turns away from this success to seek the deeper call. I wonder if I would have done the same - do I need to do the same. I am blessed in one way - there is not an area wide following of people who want me with them. I have no such success to tempt me. But - the key question - do I seek next steps at moments of success and not only at moments of failure or frustration or confusion? Yea, not enough. This is a great example how Jesus lived missionally and how great moments are enemies of great movements.

Lord Jesus - I seek Your Mission and Your Next Steps today and everyday. I am grateful for whispers and insights that lead to moments of ministry and affirmation, but, with Your Spirit's Help, keep me aware that these are but "fuel stops" to the great call You have for me. Lead me into where I "must go."

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Pretending I Don't Have What I Need

2011-02-14T18:57:00.000-08:00

For Monday, February 14

Pretending I Don't Have What I Need

Exodus 37-38:31; Matthew 28:1-20; Psalm 34:11-22; Proverbs 9:9-10 (click to read)

(Matthew 27) 50 Once again Jesus shouted, and then he died. 51 At once the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

I'm reaching back to yesterday's reading for this verse and reflection, though it's application is in today's reading. So...the Exodus chapters have been all about the design, creation and building of the tabernacle - the mobile, pack-able worship place for the Hebrews. The temple referred to in Matthew is at least two buildings removed from the first. Some things were constant, no matter the building, and one of those was the curtain that separated the sacrifice area from the most special place - the Most Holy Place. That curtain represented that God was approachable only through the sacrifices and priestly functions available in the Temple. But - BUT - Jesus dies, Jesus is the sacrifice - and all separation is gone, all ceremony not needed. Truly, to steal a modern phrase - all access was given. I sometimes act as if I do not have access to God through Christ. But when I combine this action and statement of access with the Psalms of God's immediate help and Proverbs wisdom given, how stupid of me to not be constantly focused on what Jesus has made possible - all access to God. Wow, I sure do miss my opportunities!

Lord - This greatest act of Love and Mercy has given me direct connection with You. Indeed, Your Spirit is both the Help for Access and the Presence of God for me, to me, in me. Please, I cry, help me to live every moment with Your Ever Present Help being my minute by minute experience.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

I Woulda Stayed Quiet

2011-02-08T19:48:00.000-08:00

For Tuesday, February 8

I Woulda Stayed Quiet

Exodus 28:1-43; Matthew 25:31-26:13; Psalm 31:9-18; Proverbs 8:12-13 (click to read)

37 Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, "When did we give you something to eat or drink? 38 When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear 39 or visit you while you were sick or in jail?"

(Hmm - why was Aaron and not Moses selected to be High Priest and represent God to the people and the people to God? After all that? Hmmmm)

The response of this group praised by Jesus has always amazed me in this story. Indeed, I have felt over and over in reading this that - if I was in a group and Jesus said to me "great job and thanks for feeding, visiting, welcoming, etc" - that I would have never asked "Oh, when did I do that?" I guess my tendency would have been to think, "OK, I've done some of that, but wow, I'm wondering if you have me confused with someone else. I'll just let it go." I guess that would be dishonest of me, but - really - it is what I have thought. Now I know Jesus is just telling a story with a point, but it is kind of shocking. When I compare this question with the other groups not quite identical question, the point is clearly what I DO about Jesus instruction to "love one another" and "seek, welcome, feed" is the key point. But it seems the last group says - "Hey, don't judge us that this, we never had a chance." The first group says "Lord, we never did anything that big!" And me, I would be tempted to slink away and let the idea lie. Bad me - so I need to change me. And be a "get to work" me or a "stay at it me". I want to be about His Work.

Lord - the opportunities to serve others are all around me. Sometimes I make excuses for not responding, not acting. Help me to be as wise, as generous, as helpful, as merciful and as responsible as You would want me to be as I serve You by serving those You Love.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

My Heart Tells Me To Pray

2011-02-03T10:53:00.000-08:00

For Thursday, February 3

My Heart Tells Me To Pray

Exodus 17:8-19:15; Matthew 22:34-23:12; Psalm 27:7-14; Proverbs 6:27-35 (click to read)

7 Please listen when I pray! Have pity. Answer my prayer. 8 My heart tells me to pray. I am eager to see your face, 9 so don't hide from me. I am your servant, and you have helped me.

God's Word to me is so powerful. There are passages that remind me of my purpose and vision. There are other passages that remind me of my failures and human weaknesses. Sometimes I am charged up to do the ministry and mission He has set in front of me, other times I am humbled and corrected - and forgiven. Each of these experiences can - no, SHOULD be as the verses above: a call and desire to pray, to listen, to confess, to agree, to receive instruction and direction, to seek mercy, to ask for wisdom and power, to be faithful and courageous, to be the saved and commissioned servant of Christ. This is true for every believer. And so, today, my heart tells me to pray.

Lord Jesus Christ - I do pray and I am eager to see Your Face. I again say I am Your servant and Your grateful follower. I ask for You to have pity and give answer. You have helped me, help me again.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Believing What I See

2011-01-31T16:12:00.000-08:00

For Monday, January 31

Believing What I See

Exodus 12:14-13:16; Matthew 20:29-21:22; Psalm 25:16-22; Proverbs 6:12-15 (click to read)

(Matthew 20) 33 They answered, "Lord, we want to see!" 34 Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Right away they could see, and they became his followers.

I don't think I have ever noticed the last phrase of these verses - "they became his followers." I am used to thinking about the Twelve Apostles as Jesus' followers. When I hit the stories of Mary, Martha and Lazarus, I think of them more as "adherents" and not followers. But all over the Gospels, people decide to follow Jesus. Here, two blind outcasts are given sight. And they decide to follow. Well, who wouldn't think this way after this miracle healing? And yet, I feel there are people how have received major blessings and even miracles from Christ, but they do not follow. Indeed, one of the statements Jesus makes is that the miracles are there as signs (so pay attention, he says). His opponents asked for a miracle so they could believe (so they said). So I guess the question for me and others is: Have I seen enough to believe? Have I experienced or encountered something significant enough from Jesus to have life long faith? I have. I will follow. And the miracle I cite as my marker is how He knows me, knows what life is like, knows how I react, and has an answer and a solution to each of these issues, as I follow Him. Because, ya know, I can now see, so I follow.

Lord Jesus: Through Your Word and Your Life, by Your Spirit and Your Truth, You have given me sight to so many things. Some of the seeing is of me, some is of others, some is of Your Work, and some is of the Truth of Life. So - I see, help me see better. I follow, help me follow better.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

To Not Forget

2011-01-28T16:54:00.000-08:00

For Friday, January 28

To Not Forget

Exodus 5:22-7:25; Matthew 18:21-19:12; Psalm 23:1-6; Proverbs 5:22-23 (click to read)

29The man got down on his knees and began begging, "Have pity on me, and I will pay you back." 30But the first official refused to have pity. Instead, he went and had the other official put in jail until he could pay what he owed.

It is so easy to be like this - to forget what has been done for me and to not pass it on in the least. Oh, of course, there are times when one should make sure a person is disciplined as a learning exercise, but forgiveness must be part of it. The attitude displayed by the first person in the story is totally self-centered, completely forgetful of benefits he has received, and without any sense of the need to "pay it forward." This forgiveness thing is one of the most emphasized teachings from Jesus. He is really clear that I am to forgive, partly because I have been forgiven and partly because I am to represent God. (To forgive is to give up the right of revenge or punishment) The Bible is clear regarding who does the payback - and it is not me. Jesus is even clearer about His Demand that I forgive because I have been forgiven. The only way I know to do this with consistency is to be really clear with myself and with God that I know I have been forgiven. And not for past only, but for what I have done or not done TODAY! And not just my failures and hurts against God, but also against all of God's creation - people or otherwise.

Lord Jesus - Thank you so very much that You Forgive me. You do so today, as You did yesterday. I know it is not because of me, but because of You. And because of You, I will live as a forgiving person in all things, and grow into forgiving where I cannot yet. I confess my failures, my sin and my need to carry the forgiveness I have received to others.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Mustard Seeds for Me

2011-01-26T13:19:00.000-08:00

For Wednesday, June 26

Mustard Seeds for Me

Exodus 2:11-3:22; Matthew 17:10-27; Psalm 22:1-18; Proverbs 5:7-14 (click to read)

20-21 Jesus replied: It is because you don't have enough faith! But I can promise you this. If you had faith no larger than a mustard seed, you could tell this mountain to move from here to there. And it would. Everything would be possible for you.

When I read passages like this, I am staggered and wonder what it is that God has wanted to do through me, through us, and yet our faith has made it not possible. Could it be that world hunger would be totally defeated? (You know there IS enough food to feed everyone, don't you?) Would the world's water problems be a distant memory? (Again, there is enough) How about wars and ancient hatreds? What of them? Could they have been solved? I don't know about that, but I am certain many of the resource issues the oppress people would be long gone. I SOOOO to not want to be a bottleneck for what Jesus wants to do for and with people. There have been times when the work of the Spirit has definitely surprised me. I want to see that again and again. I want the faith to follow knowing God is at work and I am to be fully engaged in what God is doing.

Lord Jesus: I am afraid my attitude is more what cannot happen rather than joyfully anticipate what You Can Do. I want NOT be a problem for You and Your Work. Grow my faith and expectation today and everyday.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

A Surprising Angle

2011-01-25T10:22:00.000-08:00

For Tuesday, January 25

A Surprising Angle

Genesis 50:1-26; Exodus 1-2:10; Matthew 16:13-17:9; Psalm 21:1-13; Proverbs 5:1-6 (click to read)

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples: If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow me. 25 If you want to save your life, you will destroy it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

Reading this entire passage has given me an additional understanding of these discipleship verses. I have mostly understood these verses as telling me I need to have priorities as Jesus tells me, make decisions as Jesus tells me, that my life is to be given to His authority and Lordship. This passage help me see the "added" idea that my way of thinking will not always get me to following Jesus correctly. In the passage, Peter "nails" the answer to Who Jesus is. But he immediately makes a strong statement that is really wrong about Jesus' mission. He has the right answer and thinks he understands, but he does not. I would have the same tendency - since I know the right answer, I "must" be thinking correctly. I guess I can also learn this from reflecting on the Pharisees - mostly they had the right answers, but did not understand what God and what Jesus want to have happen. So I must "forget about myself" by submitting my thinking and conclusions to Jesus and His Spirit over and over again. It is simply another form of human pride and the goal to be my own "god" to think that once I have the right content, I have the right implications and action plan. So not true in this passage - so not true for me

Lord Jesus - Help me every day to submit my conclusions and choices to Your Spirit. I want to know the truth, and then I want to reflect and respond to the truth in Your Way and according to Your Will. Keep my thoughts following Yours today and every day.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Energy Wasters

2011-01-20T15:11:00.000-08:00

For Wednesday, January 19

Energy Wasters

Genesis 39-41:16; Matthew 12:46-13:23; Psalm 17:1-15; Proverbs 3:33-35 (click to read)

22 The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life and are fooled by the desire to get rich. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything.

There are certainly two points for me today. Both come from this story of the seed planter. The first: keep planting, keep sowing. I believe Jesus told this story to help His followers get ready for the kinds of responses they would get from telling the message of Jesus to others. The others would not believe was to be expected and not to be a demotivating factor. So - therefore - keep planting, keep sowing, keep telling, let the message out. And I know I need to plant and sow more. The other point for me is directly from the verse above. The things of this life - particularly financial and survival worries - can take over all my energies, thinking, focus, etc. I lose my focus on both living and telling the message of Christ. I default to your basic human being fear and survival mode sometimes, forgetting that my Lord is the end of history and the target of my day to day living. I want to live to His Purpose for me and for others.

Jesus Christ - You are the target and goal of my life. Your Message is the greatest truth for me and for anyone else. Help me to both live out and speak Your Message. Help me plant every day.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

More Than Spring Cleaning

2011-01-18T17:05:00.000-08:00

For Tuesday, January 18

More Than Spring Cleaning

Genesis 37-38:30; Matthew 12:22-45; Psalm 16:1-11; Proverbs 3:27-32 (click to read)

(Matthew 12) But when the demon doesn't find a place, 44 it says, "I will go back to the home I left." When it gets there and finds the place empty, clean, and fixed up, 45 it goes off and finds seven other evil spirits even worse than itself. They all come and make their home there, and the person ends up in worse shape than before.

As I read this passage in Matthew, I connected this warning parable with the verses above where Jesus says good things come from a good heart. In this story, a person has "cleaned up" his life, has gotten rid of all the connections and attractions to evil she has stored and experienced. This person really seems to have changed, but when evil returns, it returns with a vengeance. The person is "in worse shape" than before the clean up. How can this be? I think the "good things from a good heart" provides part of the answer. I think the "empty house" provides the other. Though this person "cleaned up," they did not fill up with good stuff. They did not work at a good heart. Perhaps the clean up was just for show, or so they quite getting in trouble. Perhaps the clean up was to please someone else, or to gain approval. Whatever the reason, it was not a clean up from the heart out - there was no interior transformation. So, with no new foundation, no new devotions, no internal desire to be what God wanted, they only had their external motivations, and they were not enough. I'm guessing this is like a person who "quits" something for someone else, but remains unconvinced that the change is needed or good, or really does not deeply desire the change and growth. Jesus says that external change is not enough, will not last, does not build the foundation. I'm not saying cleaning up is a bad thing - or no, not at all. But Jesus seems to be saying I (we) need the desire and conviction that my internals need change and growth before anything solid can happen.

Lord Jesus - I confess my temptation to short-cut change and growth. I often flake at the need for deep work and major transforming. I ask that Your Spirit continually work on my heart, spirit and mind. Make me a house cleaned up but also fully equipped for Your Work and Will.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Power Corrupts

2011-01-14T17:02:00.000-08:00

For Friday, January 14

Power Corrupts

Genesis 30-31:16; Matthew 10:1-23; Psalm 12:1-8; Proverbs 3:13-15 (click to read)

(Matthew 10:1) Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.

My brain wants me to write about these two ideas found just verses from each other in the same passage: "Give as freely as you have received" and "be shrewd as serpents and harmless as doves." Very interesting... But my spirit says to consider the verse above and ask: Would I want this authority and, if so, why? I would like to say I am fine with whatever Jesus gives me to do, but that would not quite be true. I fear I am not yet a fully humble servant of Christ, with no need for ego gratification. I do work at gaining ground on this, so I can 1) not be impacted by the sins of pride and insecurity and so I can 2) be a happy and effective servant to my Lord. I would like to say I would like to show the love and Christ and His Mercy to all persons with this gift. I know I would find great joy in seeing Jesus heal those suffering from mental illness, and other kinds of hurts and injuries not of their own doing (and even those that were). Reflecting on this a bit has shown me a need to grow more in happily and freely given service to Christ and His Mission. May I get out of my own way in serving Him.

Lord - I want to be so focused on serving only You that all else fades. I know that is not my condition now, so help me grow more into You and be less focused on me. Make my needs only about being Your Disciple today.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Making Sense

2011-01-12T16:51:00.000-08:00

For Wednesday, January 12

Making Sense

Genesis 26:17-27:46; Matthew 9:1-17; Psalm 10:16-18; Proverbs 3:9-10 (click to read)

(Matthew 9) 13Go and learn what the Scriptures mean when they say, `Instead of offering sacrifices to me, I want you to be merciful to others.' I didn't come to invite good people to be my followers. I came to invite sinners.
(Proverbs 3)9Honor the LORD by giving him your money and the first part of all your crops. 10Then you will have more grain and grapes than you will ever need.

So these two verses (to me) initially point opposite directions. But since I believe God's instruction to us is not contradictory (though it could be nuanced), let me see what I come up with: I think God is always trying to grow us up into mature spiritual people (and other maturities). That means for me to be responsible for myself in His Plan for me, and responsive to His Mission and Love for others. In the Matthew verse, Jesus is telling me to focus on being an agent of His Grace, Mercy and Love for others, rather than focusing on keeping the rules for myself (and ESPECIALLY demanding rule keeping of others) so I feel OK about myself and trying to "prove" to God that I am good and God should approve of me. (Live Mercy, not Rules) The Proverbs passage seems like a rule at first glance, but looking a bit more carefully, I see that giving God "the first of all my crops" is to give God my "next year's seeds" and such. So this is about trusting God's ways, more than what I can do for me. So they both end up focused on me trusting God's Grace, Mercy and Will for me and my interaction with others, rather than trusting what I can provide for me whether in tomorrow's crop or in my proof to God of my own goodness. I am to be responsible to and responsive to God's Ways, both for me and for others.

Lord Jesus - Help me never to default to some set of statements to prove I love You and follow You. Rather, let me be a living example of Faith, Grace and Mercy, so Your Will and Your Word can be known and received - both in me and by others. You Love us all.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Keeping Me in my Place

2011-01-11T12:54:00.000-08:00

For Tuesday, January 11

(Download Barbara Hanson's "Rubber Band Prayer" here)

(For those for whom the "One Year Bible" schedule is too much, I have this suggestion: Ignore the first passage and read the other three.)

Keeping Me in my Place

Genesis 24:52-26:16; Matthew 8:18-34; Psalm 10:1-15; Proverbs 3:7-8 (click to read)

7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

I believe many would react to how does "fear of the Lord" lead to healing in body and strength in bones. I see it a couple of ways - that all wisdom and truth are from the Lord, not matter where I discover it; and the unity of a human being means effective health on one area impacts positively the whole health of the person. But for me the great challenge of these verses is at the beginning: "Don't be impressed with your own wisdom." I apply that to me by saying I need to be humble always and acknowledge the fact that I do not know all I need to know, much less all there is to know. And since "wisdom" in the Bible usually means "knowing God's will and having the skill to do God's will," I am aware that I "know" more of what God wants me to do than I do, or than I have the capability to do. So I want to say to me: "Don't be convinced of my own effectiveness and righteousness until I automatically and comprehensively live out all the values of Christ every day." There - that ought to keep me in my place.

Lord Jesus - Upon reflection, I am so grateful for Your Grace and Love for me. You love me and lead me even as I attempt - with so little capability at times - to follow. Increase my spiritual resistance training and grow my capacity and capabilities to live our Your Will and Wisdom. Help me today.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Great Coaching

2011-01-06T17:14:00.000-08:00

For Thursday, January 6

(Download Barbara Hanson's "Rubber Band Prayer" here)

(For those for whom the "One Year Bible" schedule is too much, I have this suggestion: Ignore the first passage and read the other three.)

Great Coaching

Genesis 13:5-15:21; Matthew 5:27-48; Psalm 6:1-10; Proverbs 1:29-33 (click to read)

(Matthew 5) 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, poke it out and throw it away. It is better to lose one part of your body, than for your whole body to end up in hell. 30 If your right hand causes you to sin, chop it off and throw it away! It is better to lose one part of you r body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

It is clear to me that I often take my failures and sin less seriously than Jesus does. I'm sure these verses are hyperbole, "over the top" to get my attention. But I'm also sure Jesus wants me fully focused on the path to holy living, righteousness in relationships, and continual growth as a follower and ambassador for Him. Perhaps to be hyper-focused on failure and sin is not what He wants of me - in fact, I am sure of that. But He does want me aware of my sins and shortfalls and wants me learning and working to improve my Christian living. I see Jesus as the ideal coach - He never puts me down for what I do not yet know, but lets me know about it when I loose ground or get sloppy in executing my life as I could for His Mission. He is always pointing me to the goal, to my next level, to my role in His Plan. He is encouraging and correcting, but neither damaging to me or enabling my small failures to become habits of loss and destruction. He takes my spiritual growth and behavior seriously - I need to match that every day.

Lord - You graciously forgive and point me to the next moment. Help me to give appropriate attention to my sins and failures. Give me the tactics to turn my mistakes into clues and roadways for growth.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

It's a Personal Problem

2011-01-04T13:15:00.000-08:00

For Tuesday, January 4

(Download Barbara Hanson's "Rubber Band Prayer" here)

(For those for whom the "One Year Bible" schedule is too much, I have this suggestion: Ignore the first passage and read the other three.)

It's a Personal Problem

Genesis 8-10:32; Matthew 4:12-25; Psalm 4:1-8; Proverbs 1:20-23 (click to read)

(Genesis 8) 21The smell of the burning offering pleased God, and he said: Never again will I punish the earth for the sinful things its people do. All of them have evil thoughts from the time they are young, but I will never destroy everything that breathes, as I did this time.

The story of The Flood is full of issues. Some are scientific and historical, of course, but other issues are moral and philosophical. In our day, we think only the individual is responsible for his or her actions. (I must say, though, that some of our current public discourse and actions are just the opposite - blaming a group and anyone that is decided is in that group - don't get me started) Back to us - we want to be treated in regard to our personal actions; well, actually, we want to be treated according to our motives no matter the actions. How does this fit the flood story? One way to look at it is: The flood story declares that God "changed" His way of working with humanity. Before the flood - all were responsible for the evil. After, "the earth" would not be punished for the evil - that is, the entire group would not be held responsible. There are a number of declarations that keep refining this in the Old Testament, coming down to this one. My reflection and my praise to God is that God is willing to see me personally responsible for me, and not for others. His Judgment and Grace are specific to the person. This personal judgment is validated and demonstrated in this reading in the story of Ham and his response to his father's condition while drunk - he is personally held responsible. (Not sure how to describe the offense, but the son is alone held responsible)

Lord God - You see me, You know me. You evaluate me and You correct me. You love me and You forgive me. You are my God and my Savior. I thank You for knowing and loving me - me - me.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

The Goal Is This Moment

2011-01-03T18:33:00.000-08:00

For Monday, January 3

(Download Barbara Hanson's "Rubber Band Prayer" here)

(For those for whom the "One Year Bible" schedule is too much, I have this suggestion: Ignore the first passage and read the other three.)

The Goal Is This Moment

Genesis 5-7:24; Matthew 3:7-4:11; Psalm 3:1-8; Proverbs 1:10-19 (click to read)

(Matthew 4) 9 The devil said to him, "I will give all this to you, if you will bow down and worship me." 10 Jesus answered, "Go away Satan! The Scriptures say: `Worship the Lord your God and serve only him.' "

Of course, this was Jesus. But, still, to be offered the key goal of your life and to turn it down - amazing! Jesus know so very well that the process of His life was just as important as the goals of His life. He was fully aware that the decision-making and forks in the road of His life were equally important as the end and direction of His life. I want to remember that going through the processes of my days and making the decisions I do, and why I make those decisions and what it does to me to choose and to act -- ALL these are impossible to separate from the goals and direction on my life. I want to be so clear that doing His Will His Way for His Motives and in His Time - I want to be so clear that these ARE my life that even if offered that thing to which my entire life was focused, I would turn it down for His Sake. It is like being offered eternal life with God without the need to be humble, confess, give thanks, see my need, receive His Grace. I must turn it down for it would - in fact - not be eternal life with God.

Lord Jesus - give me, please, Your clarity on each moment of life. As I face opportunities, challenges and decisions every day, let Your Perspective on living and learning, and growing in grace, on sensing Your Spirit - let these be my reminders and experience each moment.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Universal Impact

2010-12-22T15:01:00.000-08:00

For Wednesday, December 22

Universal Impact

Revelation 15 (click to read)

1 After this, I looked at the sky and saw something else that was strange and important. Seven angels were bringing the last seven terrible troubles. When these are ended, God will no longer be angry.

I confess I can see trouble with this verse. That the pouring out of troubles makes it possible for God to no longer be angry gives me pause. Yet, I must say, if Justice and Righteousness are part of the fabric of the universe, then we need some way to talk about judgment and punishment. Maybe this is the way. I DO notice, though, that verses 3 and 4 address this issue by declaring that God's decisions and responses are always right. In fact, God's fairness is the major point here. So perhaps the writer struggled with this as well. To say it another way, I believe that to expect that God ignores all justice issues just cannot be right. Not even considering the makeup of life and the universe, some insist God should do something about evil and pain in the world, but also demand that God love and forgive all. I don't think it can be both of these are once. So I am left with a choice of trusting my own thoughts or trusting Who God says God is. Let's see, what's my personal track record on this...

God of the Universe - I cannot explain Your infinite wisdom and justice. I can only reject Your actions and Your Word, or I can trust You. I choose the later, as I know too much of my own failings in thought, word and deed. Please bring Your Justice and Peace to me, to this world, to the creation.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)

Final Score

2010-12-21T12:03:00.000-08:00

For Tuesday, December 21

Final Score

Revelation 14 (click to read)

13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Put this in writing. From now on, the Lord will bless everyone who has faith in him when they die." The Spirit answered, "Yes, they will rest from their hard work, and they will be rewarded for what they have done."

I don't know about the "before" but the "from now on" in this verse is good news to me. The chapter talks about which power a person intentionally chooses to follow and worship. The writer does not give the "none of the above" option in this story. The Bible is pretty clear that there is no "none of the above" option in spiritual life. The choice, in general terms, is for-follow-worship God, or not. And the idea here is to be a Christ follower through the end of life. I think that means those moments of waiver are acceptable as the human condition. But I also think I need to be sure I am following Christ, no matter what is happening in my life or in my world. This is a challenge when things turn "bad" but "things being good" has never been the definition of a believer's life. May I find my rest in Him, now and in the end of this life.

Lord Jesus - from history I know there have been, and are now, believers who suffer greatly, some because of faith in You, some just because. I have never had that full challenge, so I ask for Your Strength, Blessing and Comfort for them. And grow my faith daily as I seek to follow You for my entire life.

(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)

Dependable

2010-12-17T11:18:00.000-08:00

For Friday, December 17

Dependable

Psalm 146-147 (click to read)

3 You can't depend on anyone, not even a great leader. 4 Once they die and are buried, that will be the end of all their plans. 5 The LORD God of Jacob blesses everyone who trusts him and depends on him.

I was talking with someone yesterday. I was hearing some of the real bad troubles this person has been through recently, and telling a couple of my own stories. We are both believers, and we talked some of what our faith feels and looks like when going through troubles and pain. The verse above caught my eye because of this. Depending on God in all of life is not about a guarantee to always have things good, but it is about being ready to learn and grow through each moment of life. Indeed, there are things I have been through that I would have never wanted, but - with Christ beside and in me - I would never want to have missed the learning and insight from it all. And these experiences totally convince me of God being dependable and the greatest leader I could have. I have been blessed because He is with me, and wish every person could have that same blessing.

Lord - For the recovery and the growth from my experiences with You, I thank You. I pray for my friend, and the recovery, learning and direction needed there. I pray for myself, that I might always look to You and what You want to do, what You want to teach me, for You are my Leader, my Lord

(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)

Tenacious Evil

2010-12-16T14:09:00.000-08:00

For Thursday, December 16

Tenacious Evil

Revelation 11 (click to read)

8 Their bodies will be left lying in the streets of the same great city where their Lord was nailed to a cross...9 For three and a half days the people of every nation, tribe, language, and race will stare at the bodies of these two witnesses and refuse to let them be buried.

I remember very well in C. S. Lewis' second book of fantasy for adults the scene where the hero begins to understand the fight against evil and for God will involve not just his spiritual life, but also his mental and physical efforts and strength. He was not ready to take the battle as serious as it was. And I fear I am very much the same. This passage in Revelation makes little sense to me, except for the clear ideas that the system of this world fights against God and God's plans. And the system and it's people fight with everything they have. The hatred for God is complete, the disregard for God's life and the life of those that are His is also complete. It feels very much the same to me when various people with power or position fully discount and disregard the lives, pain, losses, and experiences of people they have the chance to help but they hurt them without remorse or care. That is evil to me. And I believe to my Lord Jesus as well.

Lord Jesus - Prepare me for the struggles against evil and the disregard for Your Ways and Your Love for others. I seldom see the face of such evil power but I want to be ready to give all that I am to this fight. Open my eyes and ears, strengthen my faith and resolve, and keep me so close to You that each assault is very clear to my heart and my response.

(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)

Wake Up Call

2010-12-14T16:04:00.000-08:00

For Tuesday, December 14

Wake Up Call

Revelation 9 (click to read)

20 The people who lived through these terrible troubles did not turn away from the idols they had made, and they did not stop worshiping demons. They kept on worshiping idols that were made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood. Not one of these idols could see, hear, or walk. 21 No one stopped murdering or practicing witchcraft or being immoral or stealing.

For me, this is one of the most distressing passages in the Bible. It's not because of the destruction done or the strange and powerful animals. I really don't understand what these things are nor what the damage means. But I do know that the point of all this (in Revelation) is to motivate people to turn to Christ. I'm sure some would look at this and say it is an evil and angry God that is punishing people for having their own thoughts and own directions. Come to think of it, that is a problem, according to the Bible. And though the story in this chapter does not look or sound like it, there is an aspect that is kind - it is God saying "Please, please, notice what is happening and what you are doing. Don't let this be your final definition on life." But they don't change their thinking or actions. The passage makes me wonder about where I am not changing and not trusting. It makes me wonder at the grace of God that God has not sent plagues and disasters to me so I listen better.

Lord - I ask that Your Spirit remind me that You are very serious about my faith in and following You. I know I am not yet what I need to be as a disciple. I am thankful for Your Grace. And if You can use me to help another person come into Your Family, lead me and guide me as Your Ambassador.

(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)

The Ignored Victory

2010-12-08T16:44:00.000-08:00

For Wednesday, December 8

The Ignored Victory

Revelation 5 (click to read)

"Stop crying and look! The one who is called both the `Lion from the Tribe of Judah' and `King David's Great Descendant' has won the victory.

The passage says Jesus has "won the victory." Which victory do we think that is? Which victory is it that makes Christ worthy of all the titles, all the worship, all the focus? To ask it another way - what if the universe really does have moral and righteousness values as the major foundation of existence? It is easy for us to think the basis of the universe is all the physical stuff and the scientific relations between the physical stuff. We might tend to think that the moral and spiritual stuff is just a kind of overlay that comes from human thinking and our emotional conflicts over pain and other experiences. But looking at this passage, and other places in the Bible, there seems to be a clear implication that the physical is only the shell, the laws of nature only the hinges, and the real life is the connection with God, won for all humanity in the work of Jesus Christ. What if the majority of my life focus is only on the thin skin, and I miss the real fruit because I focus the wrong place?

Jesus, Your Word contains many clues and encouragements that tell me not to stop at the outer edge of life, but to focus on fruit and core. You have won the victory that reunites me and all humans with God. Help me to live in the fruit of that victory, and not just float on the skin.

(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)

Getting Some Practice In

2010-12-07T16:51:00.000-08:00

For Tuesday, December 7

Getting Some Practice In

Revelation 4 (click to read)

9 The living creatures kept praising, honoring, and thanking the one who sits on the throne and who lives forever and ever. 10 At the same time the twenty-four elders knelt down before the one sitting on the throne. And as they worshiped the one who lives forever, they placed their crowns in front of the throne

Some believers think often about heaven. Some have good reason to desire to be there. Those early followers were often poor and oppressed - they, too, had a good reason to look for God's better way. I don't think of heaven that much and maybe that says something about me. This particular view of heaven - so full of worship, praise and wonder - reminds me that a major temptation for me it to take God for granted, to take His Grace and Mercy as minor rather than major gifts. The relationship side of connection with God can be very comfortable, but I must not lose the wonder and awe of God's greatness and God's generosity to me and to others. And when I look at the scene described in Revelation 4, I can decide that all what worship just doesn't fit me. Or I can decide that there is much more to God than I can even begin to know in this life, and that being with God "in heaven" will absolutely explode my brain and heart. I'm guessing that is what it will be - which shows me even MORE how gracious and merciful God is to accept and love me now. What a wonderful God!

God of All - Help me not forget these momentary glimpses of Your Greatness. Help me work at growing my worship, so when I am finally and forever in Your Presence, I will have some idea as to how to express the Awe, Wonder and Gratitude I will feel. All Praise to You, Holy God.

(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)

Need Reminding

2010-12-02T13:14:00.000-08:00

For Thursday, December 2

Need Reminding

Revelation 1 (click to read)

He was wearing a robe...a gold cloth...His head and his hair were white as wool or snow, and his eyes looked like flames of fire...he put his right hand on me and said: Don't be afraid!

There is so much to be grateful for in this chapter. The awesome power and majesty of Christ are displayed. He is wondrous beyond imagination. Yet - despite these facts - we are given kindness and peace. We are told "don't be afraid." I find I remember the 'don't be afraid' and look for artificial peace and fake kindness, but I do not remember often enough the awesome wonder of Christ, God Himself, the Beginning and the End, the Lord of History. My life needs worship and reflection to stay in proper relationship with God. It is just so easy to let all the struggles of every day, the things that need doing and that I want to do, become my only focus. Then passages like these blast my brain with how I have let my worship and wonder become small and rote, rather than being my heart's full expression of devotion and praise.

Lord of All - I worship You today, though on my own I am not worthy to relation to You. Thank you so very much for being the initiator and sustainer of this relationship. Remind me several times today - You are God, Creator, Judge, Savior and Leader for me, for us all.

(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)

It's a Detour

2010-11-29T10:25:00.000-08:00

For Monday, November 29

It's a Detour

John 21 (click to read)

21 When Peter saw that disciple, he asked Jesus, "Lord, what about him?" 22 Jesus answered, "What is it to you, if I want him to live until I return? You must follow me."

This part of the story in John 21 has always captured me. I think it is because of how easy it is, how tempting it is for me to look at my life with Christ in comparison to others. Really, I must not do that. Each person has their own strengths and weaknesses on the spiritual journey. Each person has unique spiritual gifts and attributes, unique ministries and impact. Each person will be given mission and evaluation according to their abilities. But I default to measuring my spiritual life up against others. What I should do is measure my devotion and responsiveness to Christ and His Spirit. I need to listen and response and let Him determine impact or next steps. It's just another way I (we?) do not live fully into the relationship with Jesus as would be best for me.

Lord - You are my Creator, Savior, Leader and Goal. Give me more pure and devoted vision in following You, responding to You, listening to You. Free me from the need to compare with others, and help me compare only to what You ask of me each day.

(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)

Giving Thanks

2010-11-25T08:44:00.000-08:00

For Thursday, November 25 (Thanksgiving Day)

Giving Thanks

Psalm 135-136 (click to read)

4 He chose the family of Jacob and the people of Israel for his very own. 5 The LORD is much greater than any other god.

These Psalms are a "salvation history" of the Israel people. I have such a history as well. A few verses might be:
- The Lord gave me a family of faith, both biological and spiritual; God's love never ends.
- He saved my life in motorcycle and auto accidents; God's love never ends.
- He has shown me His Power and Beauty in creation; God's love never ends.
- He meets me at my questions and hears my complaints; God's love never ends.
- The Lord is merciful beyond what I desire and what I could imagine; God's love never ends.
- I will live in devoted respond and speak His Praises; God's love never ends.

Lord - I am so very humbly grateful, and I want me life to be one of always giving thanks. Give me Your Wisdom as to how and when to speak Your Praises for best impact, and direct my choices to be devoted responses to You always.

(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)

Humbled To Be Mentioned

2010-11-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

For Tuesday, November 23

Humbled To Be Mentioned

John 17 (click to read)

22 I have honored my followers in the same way that you honored me, in order that they may be one with each other, just as we are one.

I am always overwhelmed and humbled when I read this chapter. Indeed, before I began to read, I had to spend some minutes in prayers of thanks and requests for help to live this out. For this is Jesus, Son of God, God Himself with us, praying for me: praying for my faith, my endurance, my impact. I guess it is not personal, but I take if very personal because Jesus has assured me He knows my name, my life, my weaknesses and my efforts for His Mission. I am blown away by this prayer. I also work at understand all that is here and today verse 22 was powerful. It sent me to commentaries as well as to reflection and prayer. I want my life to be so full of the honor ("glory" in other translations) of Christ that I am solid with all His People and have impact for His Mission. I want His Whispers, His overt Instructions, and His Heart to guide my praying, acting, dreaming and hoping. I am amazed at this opportunity to live for Him as He lived for the Father.

Jesus Christ - Thank You so very much for praying for me as I follow You. Shine on and through me, that Your Life will continue to grow in me, that Your Will will be done in me, and the Your Mission will be accomplished through me.

(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)

When Need Accelerates

2010-11-22T10:45:00.000-08:00

For Monday, November 22

When Need Accelerates

John 16 (click to read)

1 I am telling you this to keep you from being afraid. 2 You will be chased out of the Jewish meeting places. And the time will come when people will kill you and think they are doing God a favor.

This chapter is so full of wonderful promises from Jesus. The key for me here has always been the Holy Spirit - promised and received. But I noticed the first two verses this morning which set the stage for this promised help from our Lord. I wonder if I (and we) make so little of the help, truth and comfort from the Holy Spirit because we do not experience what Jesus describes in these first two verses. How much more important would they be if our lives were actively under pressure for our faith? It's sorta like taking a trip across Nevada or Montana vs. a trip across the Bay Area. On the former, I would be calculating gas mileage and where I could purchase fuel all the time. In the Bay Area, I don't care about that until the red light goes on, and I don't want to stop even then. But in Montana, I'm filling up whenever possible. Sort of a weird comparison, but how many times a day to I seek help and truth from the Spirit of Christ now? And what would I do if I was always under pressure from others because of my faith?

Lord - You have given us, given me Yourself in the form of Your Spirit. But I am so "un-needy" in my own mind that I barely notice. Turn my ears and heart to Your Whispers so that I might assertively life Your Mission and Your Grace. I am grateful for the life You have given me, I thank You for it all. Help me to declare Your Praises and Present Your Love to each person I meet.

(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)

Giving It Up

2010-11-17T13:44:00.000-08:00

For Wednesday, November 17

Giving It Up

Psalm 132 (click to read)

1 Our LORD, don't forget David and how he suffered. 2 Mighty God of Jacob, remember how he promised: 3"I won't go home or crawl into bed 4 or close my eyelids, 5 until I find a home for you, the mighty LORD God of Jacob."

(This Psalm seems to have been written for the dedication of the temple built by King Solomon)

I wonder what my life and the impact of Christians on our cities would be if we had the same passion to honor and worship God that is expressed in these verses. Now - it is true David did not actually live out this passion exactly as expressed, but he was very focused on creating a worship place for God until instructed otherwise. I understand the comments of historians and such that David's desire to build the temple had major political implications for his rule, but doesn't that then make his desire, passion and commitment to God even more impressive? That he did NOT build the temple because God said not to and that this move very likely had negative impact on his reign? How often does Jesus' instruction to me appear to run against my "best wishes" or plans? How many times have I said to Christ - "Your will, not mine." I need to grow my passion and devotion so I can break across this barrier to faithful living more often and with greater impact.

Christ - I want to be devoted to You beyond what is just good for me. I know my primary faith reason will always be that I believe You have my best in mind and love me for what You have created me to be. But in those times when You are asking me to act in a way that seems contrary to my desires or best interest, please remind me and strengthen me in Your Lordship of my life.

(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)

The Only Essential

2010-11-15T10:02:00.000-08:00

For Monday, November 15

The Only Essential

John 11 (click to read)

43 When Jesus had finished praying, he shouted, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 The man who had been dead came out. His hands and feet were wrapped with strips of burial cloth, and a cloth covered his face. Jesus then told the people, "Untie him and let him go."

This Jesus action is key to my faith. If Jesus cannot end or defeat the limitations of death and human frailty, then I don't want or need this faith. If, on the other hand, He can and does, then there is no other to even consider. I am thinking a several areas in my life and future where Jesus' love and resurrection power are essential for me to have hope and take action. Some of the areas are personal and involve growth or change; some are friends and family and involve my inability to affect change in others; and others are work and mission related and the power of resurrection is not only crucial, but the only power that can really make a difference. I want to experience the power of His Resurrection in a number of ways in the near future of my life with Him.

Lord of Life, Lord over Death, Lord of Creation, Lord of Re-Creation, Lord of All Transformation - I want to live and experience Your Resurrection Power. I ask for this Loving Action in and around every day. I want to speak Your Praise at every junction, as I see, hear and experience You at Work in and around me.

(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)