In our modern world, the simple exercise of walking is a rediscovered benefit to good health. What a concept. Maybe our Creator knew something about its benefits when He made us. Before the days of engines and wheels walking was the “get to” way. You no doubt have heard the stories of your father or grandfather, who out of necessity walked, if they went any place. My father walked 2 ½ miles one way twice on Sunday. When I was in Kindergarten and first grade I walked to school in the warmer months of the year. As a young pastor I remember well a mission’s trip to Haiti. Major transportation there was walking. People pushed, pulled or carried everything.
As hunters we have a front seat to the walking experience, at least before the days of Quads. During my early western hunts I learned that to get to the game walking was the only way. I recall a hunt with Fred Sprague in Western Colorado in the cathedral canyon area. We had to pack in over two miles beyond where we could drive to set up our very primitive camp and walk many more miles in our search for elk. And yes, they all got away! Sound familiar?
Did you know that walking was a spiritual exercise too? Recently I’ve been thinking of the Old Testament saint, Enoch. Genesis 5: 22 and 24 tell us that he walked with God. In fact he did it so constantly that God walked him right into heaven without death having taken place. Hebrews 11:5 attributes that relationship to faith. “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was found not, because God has translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”
What does it mean to please God? Is it possible for us to walk with God today? I think it is and the Bible tells us what we need to do to accomplish it. First, a person is to desire God if they are to get in step with him. Paul expressed that desire in Philippians 3:10 when he said, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection ….” Is knowing God your desire?
The second step is to recognize our sinfulness and turn away from it. Romans 3:23 tells us we all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Romans 10:9 tells us that if we confess that sin with our mouth and believe in our heart on the Lord Jesus we shall be saved. Now that sounds simple enough to me. But the sad fact is many fail to take God up on it and that is a non-starter in walking with God. The sin issue in our lives must be dealt with if we are to know the joy of walking with God.
The third step is to walk the walk. Once we’re started it is critical that we keep in step with God through His Word and not lag behind nor get ahead. The Word is very clear about what our steps ought to look like if we are to please God. Are you reading His Word? I cannot emphasize this step enough. One of the greatest deterrents to the spread of the Gospel in America is the inconsistency in Godly living on the part of professing Christians. I’m not here to tell you to live for Christ, the Bible will if you are reading it. But I am here to say that you need to get it right because a world of “could be” Christians are watching. The old saying is true, “what you do speaks so loud people don’t hear what you’re saying.”
Well, walking with God is very important. Throughout this devotion I have listed some great scriptures that will impact your journey with God if you will read them and apply them to your life.
By Reverend David Roose
As hunters we have a front seat to the walking experience, at least before the days of Quads. During my early western hunts I learned that to get to the game walking was the only way. I recall a hunt with Fred Sprague in Western Colorado in the cathedral canyon area. We had to pack in over two miles beyond where we could drive to set up our very primitive camp and walk many more miles in our search for elk. And yes, they all got away! Sound familiar?
Did you know that walking was a spiritual exercise too? Recently I’ve been thinking of the Old Testament saint, Enoch. Genesis 5: 22 and 24 tell us that he walked with God. In fact he did it so constantly that God walked him right into heaven without death having taken place. Hebrews 11:5 attributes that relationship to faith. “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was found not, because God has translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”
What does it mean to please God? Is it possible for us to walk with God today? I think it is and the Bible tells us what we need to do to accomplish it. First, a person is to desire God if they are to get in step with him. Paul expressed that desire in Philippians 3:10 when he said, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection ….” Is knowing God your desire?
The second step is to recognize our sinfulness and turn away from it. Romans 3:23 tells us we all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Romans 10:9 tells us that if we confess that sin with our mouth and believe in our heart on the Lord Jesus we shall be saved. Now that sounds simple enough to me. But the sad fact is many fail to take God up on it and that is a non-starter in walking with God. The sin issue in our lives must be dealt with if we are to know the joy of walking with God.
The third step is to walk the walk. Once we’re started it is critical that we keep in step with God through His Word and not lag behind nor get ahead. The Word is very clear about what our steps ought to look like if we are to please God. Are you reading His Word? I cannot emphasize this step enough. One of the greatest deterrents to the spread of the Gospel in America is the inconsistency in Godly living on the part of professing Christians. I’m not here to tell you to live for Christ, the Bible will if you are reading it. But I am here to say that you need to get it right because a world of “could be” Christians are watching. The old saying is true, “what you do speaks so loud people don’t hear what you’re saying.”
Well, walking with God is very important. Throughout this devotion I have listed some great scriptures that will impact your journey with God if you will read them and apply them to your life.
By Reverend David Roose