Pathlight Studies

As 2015 draws to a close, and the new year approaches, there is much talk of resolutions. Many people make resolutions to lose weight, to get out of debt, to spend more time with family, or any of thousands of other well intentioned notions which they may or may not see through. Webster's dictionary defines the word "resolve" as "to make a definite and serious decision to do something." This is certainly a noble undertaking, as we all have areas of our lives which need improvement, aspects which we would either seek to minimize, or accentuate, or alleviate altogether. Let's look at a few examples of resolve throughout the bible and examine the process and the outcome of reaching a conclusion, and of making a definite and serious decision to do something...  The first example we'll look at is found in  Genesis, chapter 6, verses 6-13, as Abraham is told by God that he must sacrifice his son Isaac..." And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering,...

As Christmas approaches, I'd like for us to take a look at Luke's often quoted and very eloquent account of the birth of Jesus, and the bringing of the good news to the people. It is found in Luke chapter 2, verses 8-14, and you may remember it as quoted by Linus in the Charlie Brown Christmas special, a touching and memorable way in which Charles Schulz brought the true meaning of Christmas to millions of children, many of whom might not otherwise have come to know it. It is a beautiful and poignant narrative of the events surrounding the birth of Christ. So, we'll begin by reading these verses, and then we'll look at them in detail... Lights,please... " And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of ...

This week, we're going to look at James, chapter 4, verses 7-10, and examine how our closeness and intimacy with God is dependent on our willingness to let go of self and outside influences and open ourselves up completely to Him. " Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up. " The first thing that we notice in our reading is that we are to submit ourselves to God. This is an entirely voluntary action on our part. Our submission is dependent on our understanding that, apart from God, and without His Divine intervention, and intercession, we are without hope. We all must come to this conclusion of our own volition. For most people, this realiz...

This week, I'd like to talk about the unchanging nature of God, in contrast with our rapidly changing, and even declining, society. There is a beautiful old song called "Hold To God's Unchanging Hand" and I'd like to share the first verse..." Time is filled with swift transition, naught of earth unmoved can stand. Build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God's unchanging hand. " The only thing that remains the same, and will continue to remain the same, is the nature and love of God. Hebrews chapter 13, verse 8 tells us..." Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever. " In Psalm 90:4 we are told..." For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. " Things around us may change, but God will never change. James tells us that with God, there is " no variableness, neither shadow of turning. " Let's think about this...not only will God never change,...