A Heavenly Vision

When David was young, Samuel anointed him to be King. However years would pass before David wore the crown. The vision David had of sitting on the thrown was vulnerable to his faith. For had David lost hope or faith in the promise of God, he could have walked away or rejected the plan of God.

Oswald states, "If we lose "the heavenly vision" God has give us, we alone are responsible--not God. We lose the vision because of our own lack of spiritual growth. If we do not apply our beliefs about God to the issues of everyday life, the vision God has given us will never be fulfilled."

David in the wilderness tending sheep had much time to ponder the hand of God: the power and the might of the Almighty. This certainly played into his faith which slayed the lion and the bear. Likewise, it was these successes in the wilderness that boosted his faith in the power of God's hand, when he charged after Goliath the giant Philistine. The vision of God was clear in his mind and he served the vision with passion and devotion.

Years later, David would remain obedient to the vision God had given him, though King Saul--filled with jealous rage--sought to destroy him. How many times did David choose to hold onto the vision when all seemed lost under the terror of Saul's hatred? The Lord's servant chose at least once per day to exercise faith in God. For day by day David had to make choices to remain in God's favor and grace: to stay upon the path that would lead to the throne. Unlike Saul, who lost hold of the Lord's vision for his life, David kept his heart and his plans before God and his steps were blessed.

How long must we wait for the vision God has given to us? Only heaven knows. However, when we consider the faithfulness of God and the good He surely has in store for us, we find the strength to hold on one more day.

Yet, holding on is not enough for the vision to come into fruition. We hold responsibility in bringing about the vision. Daily efforts are necessary. Whether they be limited to prayer covering alone, or a series of tasks, our commitment is of great importance. And while, "we cannot bring the vision to fulfillment through our own efforts," we must live moment by moment serving the call, so the vision may be fulfilled. For some this may require a to do list. For others it may require waiting for the Lord to move.

Just as David had to face the threats of: the lion, bear, his brothers, Goliath, Saul and later his own son, we too will face forces which desire to destroy us. These storms are allowed in order that our faith be strengthened: that we become resolved in our service to the vision. For when we fight in the power of God, we will succeed according to God's perfect will. Like David we will find the blessings and favor of our Lord. Oswald points us to the words in John 15:8 "if you allow God to plant you, you will 'bear much fruit.'"

Holding onto the vision of God for our life is not for the weak or fearful. We must be strong and courageous, ready to fight, obedient and steadfast. The vision God has for you is glorious and worthy of our sacrifice! If you feel you are lacking in these areas, PRAY for God to build them in your life! Do not allow the enemy to turn your head or cloud your vision with doubt and fear. Pray the devil away and see how the Lord will grant you might to succeed.

Borrowing the lyrics from the music group, Mercy Me:
Hold fast, Help is on the way, Hold fast, He's come to save the day, What I've learned in my life, One thing stronger than my strife, Is His grasp, So hold fast."

Hold fast to the vision! God does not tarry! In due time you will bring great glory to our King!

Behold A New Creation

Being an example of God's message is the challenge for every heaven bound child. For through we live in and among those of the world we are purposed to be a messenger of the gospel. We are to speak it, sing it, live it unashamed. Believers do this through the power and teaching of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus told his disciples: "The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life," (John 6:63). The Lord was proclaiming the Holy Spirit would be at work through the Word of God. Through the Spirit's work, eternal life would be produced in the spirit of those called to Christ. Therefore those who accepted the teachings of Jesus were those who believed in the power of the Spirit to produce eternal life in them.

Believing in the transforming power of the Spirit is essential to being a messenger of the gospel. For only through belief will the process of sanctification occur in our lives, to produce a testimony. Our life--the way we choose to live moment by moment--becomes the message we will share with others.

Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of Jerusalem because they preached a message they did not live. They claimed to be children of God and yet their actions proved them to be otherwise. Since they were absolutely convinced their "preconceived notions" were truth, they closed their minds and rejected the teachings of Jesus. Though generations had passed, the Israelites still covered their ears--as they did at Sinai--to the voice of God. Therefore, Jesus proclaimed them lovers of lies.

"If God were you Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own: but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies," (John 8:42-44).

There were many who turned from following Jesus because of his teachings. They were unable to believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to produce in them the good work of the LORD. They could not believe the truth because they favored the life attached to the devil and his lies. They were not interested in teachings that spoke of submission, surrender, and sacrifice. Their hearts were hard and filled with pride, therefore, resistant to conviction and repentance.

The Lord knows the hearts that are hard and those which are tender. Those inclined to choose to believe and receive the Truth of Christ, God calls into relationship. Once a relationship is established the journey of transformation begins. Oswald points out; "Before God's message can liberate other people, His liberation must first be real in you." So we are indeed called to be messengers of transformation, renewal and restoration. Unless believers "allow God to have complete liberty" in their lives, they will have little or no message to share.

Claiming to believe in the power of God is a weak message. Proclaiming the power of Christ, which has transformed your life, is compelling. Let us be mighty believers in the Truth so our message will have an impact on those inclined to believe as well. For just as Jesus was sent to be a witness to the glory of God in the flesh...we too are called to be living testimonies.

Rest in Redemption

Oswald's message is like a balm to the worn out legalist who feels they must strive and strive to be worthy of grace. He states; "When God gives you a clear determination of His will for you, all your striving to maintain that relationship by some particular method is completely unnecessary."

Ponder this reality. Are your hands open, palms down with fingers spread or are they clenched in tight fists holding on for dear life to Jesus? Maintaining a relationship with the Lord is not about performance or hanging on. It is about choices.

Our efforts to pray, read God's word, serve at church, turn the other cheek and so forth, can subtly turn into our confidence in Christ. In other words, we can begin to believe that these are the things that must be done to remain in fellowship with the Lord. I must pray these prayers in this way. I must read this much of God's word each day, etc. The problem with this way of thinking is that it suggests your method(s) of reaching out to God are necessary to remain in fellowship with God. If we are not careful this way of thinking can turn into a stronghold of legalism.

The Bible says, "If the son has set you free, you are free indeed." Freedom is not found in obligation. Jesus doesn't want us to worship him in some type of formula. He wants us to be free to express our love for Him in all kinds of ways that are glorifying to Him: showing kindness to a stranger, forgiving an offense, teaching your children to seek the Lord, praying, or expressing thankfulness.

When we consider that love is an expression of choice, we realize then our choices are how we convey love. The very fact that God gave man the ability to choose his own way, reveals his great love for us. We express our love or lack of love for God, by how we choose to live. Jesus said, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching,"(John 14:23NIV). Therefore, when we choose to obey God's word we are expressing our love for Him. When we make the choice to disobey or rebel against God's word, we are expressing a lack of love for Him.

When I was young, we had a long list of daily chores that we were expected to accomplish each day. White glove inspection could happen at any time. I remember the effort I put forth on a regular basis, hoping to live up to expectations that I might keep in good standing with my mom and step-father. My diligence to keep my room in order and the house picked up, was my feeble attempt to have a peaceful relationship with my parents. For when I failed to measure up to their standards, I was not only punished but cast aside until deemed worthy again. As a result, I learned my performance determined the level of intimacy I would have with others. However, performance became more about peace and value than expressing love.

Granting myself permission to just "be" with the Lord and not meet a list of requirements does not come easy. I struggle when I find a day has ended and I did not do ____ for the Lord. However, I am getting better at resting in my redemption. Remembering the Lord desires to be in relationship with me more than anything else, helps. When I choose to seek God during my day, I am expressing love for Him. Choices I make beyond spending time with the Lord will determine how much I love him. The point is, I am learning that just because I didn't do ____ does not mean I have lost my intimacy with the Lord. In fact, moments when I am still in His presence may be a greater expression of love than action.

Oswald encourages the followers of Christ to walk naturally: "All that is required is to live a natural life of absolute dependence on Jesus Christ. Never try to live your life with God in any other way than His way. And His way means absolute devotion to him. Showing no concern for the uncertainties that lie ahead is the secret of walking with Jesus."

Trusting your relationship with God is secure in Christ, will relax the believers walk. The result will be a myriad of choices that express your love and devotion to Jesus, as well authentic rest for a world weary soul.

Seperation Anxiety

The love God has for us is comparable to nothing else. Man can only imagine the extent of the Lord's love, for we are truly incapable of grasping the magnitude of something so pure and selfless. Still, what little we can comprehend has the power to transform us from back biting broken vessels to edifying servants.

Oswald's devotional centers on the Apostle Paul's proclamation of security in Christ; "nothing can come between the love of God and a saint." Paul explains the believer's situation this way;

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present or the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord," (Romans 8:38-39NIV).

This promise is ours to hold and cherish. No matter how much we marvel at the wonder of such a blessing, we can know, that we know the truth...even though we can't fully understand it. We are safe in the love of Christ: eternally saved and sealed.

This concept is difficult to grasp for the multitude, however for those who have been separated from the love of a parent: whether by death, abandonment or neglect, it can feel nearly impossible. Hearts that have been torn by unloving parental hands, struggle to comprehend unconditional love from anyone, let alone God. These broken spirits suffer greatly in relationships, because they have bought into the lies of the enemy about their worth as a person.

Attempts to wrap my head around the unconditional love of God, have been agonizing for me over the years. Like millions of others, I was cast aside by parents who did not know the love and forgiveness of God. Therefore, my parents were insecure and fearful of rejection and abandonment. Unfortunately, this caused them to withhold love and security from each other and their children. I and my three sisters as a result now struggle with similar fears and insecurities.

The devil's cycle of destruction tragically continues through the generations, until Jesus is allowed to bring His love into the family unit. Only after the love and forgiveness of Christ is truly realized and embraced, can transformation of old patterns of thought and strongholds be broken.

While my heart and mind have been programmed to believe I am unlovable and unworthy of love and affection, the Lord has been tenderly reprogramming my system. I no longer believe these lies of the enemy. Yet, on occasion old patterns of thought pop into my mind and I must diffuse them promptly. What took...far too long to mention in the past to overcome, is reduced to almost no time at all. Today the pain of rejection or being treated unkindly does not automatically send me into an angry defense as it has most my life. My wounds have been healed. Praise the LORD! However, it did not come naturally or with ease. The enemy fought hard to keep me from accepting God's love.

Still, there are those who Satan uses to pick at old scars. Like the "friend" who seems more interested in competing with you than being your friend. They do this perhaps through children, appearance, material possessions, vacations, jobs, and so forth. However, their attempts to one up or put down only emphasize their own doubt of their worth. Or perhaps its someone who claims to love you and then like Judas undermines your ministry, critiques your appearance or work and resists at all costs encouraging you. They too are bound by poisonous thought patterns. The devil would love for us to experience these individuals and go away broken or seething mad.

However, when we know our value is not tethered to the opinion of others we can live freely outside the pit of jealousy,insecurity and anger. But those who have been freed, must remember their own days in the mire and feverishly pray for the deliverance of those still wallowing in doubt.

The Lord has healed my heart and while it still stings at times when others act unloving, my thoughts now are inclined to consider what their wounds and issues are which prompt them to lash out at others. Healing has drastically changed my perspective of who I am. Time I used to spend trying to validate my feelings or worth is now spent growing in God's grace.

Accepting the love and forgiveness of Jesus has enabled me to love and forgive others. For we simply cannot give what we do not possess.

Learning to accept the love of God is a process, but it can be done. The Apostle Paul could have climbed into a pit of despair, when the LORD revealed his persecution of God's children. However, Paul chose the grace and mercy of God over pride. Paul not only demonstrates his own acceptance of God's love and forgiveness, he boasts about the joy that comes from embracing it.

"If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him , graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" (Romans 8:31-35NIV).

This great joy is only possible when we are living out of the pit of self loathing, or justification. When we are seeking to prove our value to others, everything will be measured or weighed moment by moment. People will never be able to make you feel valued in your soul. God purposely designed us with a God shaped hole that He alone can fill. Jesus desires to fill it with His love.

When we allow Jesus to make us whole, we will find a joy as incomprehensible as God's unconditional love. Then like Paul, unable to contain our joy, we will boast about the never ending love of the Father. And nothing...absolutely nothing anyone says, thinks or does will drag you back into the pit.

You will be free! Free to love and be loved, in the name of Jesus.

Steps of Faith

Taking the “next step” is paramount to moving upward in our spiritual journey. This seems elementary in concept but we can fool ourselves in believing we are climbing the mountain when in fact we are simply going in circles at its base: knowledge of the truth does not make us mountain climbers.

In the desert the Israelites had a marvelous picture of Mt. Sinai before them. Camped out around its base, the nation had a visual reminder of what was required to reach intimacy with God. Moses was called out from the people, into the presence of God, but he was to meet his Creator on the mountain top.

Why on the mountaintop? Could it be because God’s ways are higher than man’s, therefore, Moses needed to ascend to higher ground for the Father’s instruction? Upon the mountain Moses would have a better view of the nation he was leading and grasp a higher perspective: He could look out over their camp as God spoke in his ear, and see the baaing flock needing to be shepherded, rather than a bunch of groaning individuals. Away from their list of complaints and squabbles, Moses was free of distraction and could focus entirely on the LORD’s call to service. Had not his father-in-law, Jethro, witnessed the wear on Moses’ ministry due to their constant pestering and petitions?

Oswald states; When you have no vision from God, no enthusiasm left in your life, and no one watching and encouraging you, it requires the grace of Almighty God to take the next step in your devotion to Him…it takes much more of the grace of God, and a much greater awareness of drawing upon Him, to take that next step, than it does to preach the gospel.”

Moses needed a fresh encounter with God to sustain his passion for God’s plan. So the LORD summoned him to the climb Sinai and Moses did so…step by step.
There was at this time no Tabernacle or “mercy seat” for the Lord to descend upon in the presence of man. He had not yet instructed the Israelites to fashion an earthly throne. Therefore, the Lord purposes a seat crafted by His own hand, Mt. Sinai. In so doing, the mountain itself became a throne for His holy presence and was the Most Holy Place on the earth. This of course is why the people were instructed not to touch any part of it.

“Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful that you do not go up the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. He shall surely be stoned or shot with arrows; not a hand is to be laid on him,” Exodus 19:12-13NIV).

The Tabernacle to come would be modeled after the throne of heaven. Likewise the throne of Sinai’s peak would repeat this eternal pattern. For just as God’s presence in the Tabernacle’s Most Holy Place was veiled by a curtain--lest someone should look upon His form and die--the presence of God (a consuming fire), was veiled from the people by a cloud. Yes, the Lord is a God of order and design.

Because Moses was willing to climb Sinai, he was granted the privilege of the High Priest who was allowed to pass beyond the curtain into the LORD’s presence. On his ascent Moses stepped away from the crowd to join God on the mountain altar. There Moses would give himself over to the service of God establishing a pattern for all to follow. A pattern of steps that no doubt kept his feet secure on the path and in God’s favor.

Step one: Seek God’s will.

When we focus on the fact the LORD has a plan for our day as part of His big picture plan for our life, we can find encouragement for the climb. Addressing the climb one step at a time, the mountain may seem less of a challenge. Seeking His input moment by moment is like putting one foot in front of the other. Soon we find ourselves reaching higher altitudes of worship and service and before long, days surrendered to the LORD become weeks, months and years.

Step two: Read and obey God’s word.

The Father is for us, not against us. Therefore, we must trust His commands are for our good. Additionally his guidance will never lead us into destruction. Taking care to follow the path marked out for us on our ascent is critical so we do not stumble or fall.

Step three: Pray for God’s wisdom and discernment

God is light. He therefore desires His children to walk in the light and not darkness. When we seek the LORD, spend time in His word and follow His commands, we can be certain that our prayers are heard by God. When we pray for His wisdom and discernment in order to continue down the center of His will, the LORD will not deny us. We will be granted insight and understanding.

Step four: Trust God is in control

When we sincerely seek God we will find Him. When we spend a good amount of time reading His word we will learn His ways and His principles. Obeying His commands will keep us in the center of His will. Then our prayers for the LORD’s wisdom and discernment will be granted and our life will produce fruit. When we see the fruit in our life our faith will grow. Stepping out in faith will become easier because our experience of God confirms He is trustworthy. Trusting God in good and bad circumstances will produce peace in our lives. This peace will be seen by others and they will be prompted to inquire where our peace comes from.

Step five: Share the gospel with others that they may also seek the Lord.

When we stick to these steps, we will soon reach the spiritual summit of Mt. Sinai where we may sit in sweet communion with God. High above the worries of everyday life, God will give us a new perspective and strengthen us for our ministry to those down the mountain.

Moses climbed the mountain many times. In Exodus 19 alone, the scriptures reference three separate accounts of Moses conversing with God upon the summit. Here we find an example for both ancient and modern flocks to follow: for intimacy with our Savior will require determined steps, all of which should bring us to an altar of sacrifice. Prior to Christ the Israelites sacrificed animals for such access to the throne of grace. This side of the cross believers sacrifice self will and desire.
When God descended to the top of Mt. Sinai to talk to His chosen people, they were not willing to approach the mountain on fire. Yet Moses told the people;

“Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.’

The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness were God was,” (Exodus 20:18-21NIV).

Moses took steps towards God and experienced an intimacy with his Creator unmatched by another. A climb of a lifetime that began with...

A step towards a burning bush…a step back to Egypt…a step into Pharaoh’s presence…a step into the desert…a step into the Red Sea…a step up the mountain…a step into eternity!

"Heaven" Calling!

The call of God on one’s life is able to prod individuals to perform the most amazing or Goliath tasks with determination. It produces a holy zeal and energy necessary to see a job through. For in our own strength we grow weary or bored. Yet, when our heart is in our service for the kingdom, we find divine courage, ability and perseverance to complete the work necessary. God calls and His faithfulness provides for the servant’s need. Did He not send angels to comfort Jesus in Gethsemane?

Examples of God’s chosen servants, who tenaciously executed a myriad of tasks, in order to fulfill God’s will are found in: Noah, Aaron, Joshua, Nehemiah and Jeremiah.

These men were called to produce amazing things for the kingdom of God. Noah was called to build an Ark, where life would be preserved. Aaron was given the responsibility of establishing the Tabernacle and priesthood of the Jewish nation. Joshua was called to take Moses’ place in leading the chosen people into the Promised Land. Nehemiah was called to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem and Jeremiah was called to bring a message of wrath to a rebellious nation. These were normal men called to extraordinary service.

The temptation is great to avoid God’s call on our life by claiming that we are weak and flawed. For it can be difficult to remember the legends in the hall of faith were just like us. Moses put forth several protests to the ministry God called him to. However, man’s insecurities are an insult to the Mighty One who beckons us to service.

“The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say,” (Exodus 4:11-12NIV).

Moses makes a final plea NOT to be used by God;

“But Moses said, ‘O Lord, please send someone else to do it.’

Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses,” (Exodus 4:13-14NIV).

Since God is the same yesterday, today and forever, we need to realize, when we resist the Creator’s call on our life, we also prompt the Lord’s anger. Scriptures tell us that obedience is better than sacrifice. For if Adam and Eve had been obedient in the Garden of Eden, sacrifice would not have been necessary. Therefore, see that willful obedience pleases and glorifies God…sacrifice is required.

Furthermore, we must bend our knee to God’s plan and respond to His purpose in our life, if we are to claim Him as our Lord. It seems Oswald is driving the same message home these past few days. Loving Christ is more than devotion or seeking and serving: for while these are certainly important to the Christian walk, the act of surrendering is paramount.

Surrendering our pride and confessing our sin. Surrendering our life to the Lord’s will and surrendering our will to the needs of others. Resisting in any of these areas is rebellion and it will hinder our relationship with the Lord. We are called to be Christ’s…it’s that simple.

Though the concept is simple to understand, it is not simple to practice. Nothing in my nature wants to deny myself and forgive others. Only Christ within me gives my self-centered flesh a desire and the ability to forget myself and join the Lord in service. Sometimes I may have to bribe my spirit to surrender. Yet, it becomes easier to submit with time and practice. Just as muscles grow in strength through conditioning, so too the spirit becomes flexible to the prodding of the Holy Spirit.

Still, we must accept the call IS not meant to be easy or a blessing. The call is a means to God’s will. Blessings may come through our obedience to the call however we have no promise of this in scripture. History shows that many are called to suffer and die on the account of Christ. I confess I don’t like thinking about this part of the plan…but I must. So must every follower of Christ.

Imagine if Jesus had come to the cross and decided to rebel against dying for our sins. Where would we be if He had told the Father that He felt He had served long enough and wanted to come home? Our hope of eternal life with the Father would not exist. There would be no forgiveness for our sins outside of the laws sacrifice…which was woefully insufficient. Also, unlike the ancient Jew who sacrificed for a time…we would have no hope of a coming Messiah? We would have the bitter reality of being forsaken by Jesus. Certainly, Jesus had to suffer the cross…his love for the father would not allow him to do otherwise.

Therefore, since Christ did not fail to surrender His everything for our sake, we in turn give all we can to the work of the kingdom. Our call is divinely planned; only we can fulfill our purpose. The Lord delegates according to His provision. For one who is called to fish will be granted the skills to fish, the one purposed to sing will be able to do so. Believers called to serve through suffering will be given strength and courage to succeed. The Lord is the key to success.

Oswald reminds us; “We each have to find a niche in life, and spiritually we find it when we receive a ministry from the Lord. To do this we must have close fellowship with Jesus and must know Him as more than our personal Savior. And we must be willing to experience the full impact of Acts 9:16—“I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

I don’t want to suffer. Jesus knows this. So He calls me daily into service, building up my strength, so that my faith and trust AND dependence on Him grows strong. Then, when the painful trial(s) come--and they will come--I am prepared to endure. Trace back your footsteps and you will likely see a series of circumstances which added to your ability or strength to fulfill your call in life. Yes. The Lord is faith and determined. For He knows the riches of heaven which are tied to your obedience and the glory you will bring Him, if only you surrender your all.

Let you life be a sweet song of obedience to the Lord; “I surrender all. I surrender all. All to thee my precious Savior…I surrender all.”

Heart and Sole

How is your sole? Do you have a good pair of walking shoes? Following after Jesus is not for the faint hearted or the tender footed: for there are river’s to cross and mountains to climb on the way to the Promise Land. Disciples resolved to reach the summit where transfiguration occurs, will need to mind their feet carefully. Why? Because living for Christ is realized in the Believer’s walk.

The Christian’s daily relationship with Jesus is often referred to as their “walk with Christ.” During Jesus’ three year ministry, the Lord and his disciples walked from home to home and town to town, bringing the good news of God’s love to people from Bethlehem to Mt. Hermon. The word “walk” itself has no significance; for if they had cars in those days, perhaps we would say, mind your “ride with Jesus.” What the term is meant to signify is how closely one travels in life with their Savior.

Pondering this can be very enlightening for the child of God. For while we claim to “walk” with the Lord, many of us fall behind, take alternate roads and sometimes race ahead of Him. We do this by getting caught up in living lives focused on ourselves and loved ones rather than Jesus. Some question the Lord’s path and decide to go their own way hoping to take a short cut or detour to avoid road work. Many believers fail to accept God’s timing and set out on their own. Yet when you pause to consider how the disciples “walked” with Jesus--the intimacy they had with the Lord-- a fresh perspective may be found.

The disciples and Jesus basically, spent three years in one another’s company. With only a few exceptions, these men travelled at the Lord’s side for three years: that is 1,095 days, 3,285 meals, and who knows how many lessons and prayers they shared. Of course, not everything was serious between them. With a band of guys travelling the countryside together, you know there were a great number of jokes thrown into the mix. How many songs did they sing? What number of stories did they tell?

Now…how many steps do you think the disciples took in that time? Considering the average person today takes approximately 5000 steps per 24 hours we are looking at some significant numbers. However, when we apply these stats to biblical times—where they walked everywhere—we soon discover the magnitude of the meaning: to walk with the Lord. And to think they did all this walking in sandals!

Truly, minding one’s spiritual feet is of great importance; especially when you consider how much “walking” followers of Christ should be doing in the Lord’s company. Managing our walk is not to set apart time in our day to spend with the Lord. Rather, we are to mind every part of our day in His holy presence. Walk through our day with Him at our side. Introduce Him to others we come in contact with, converse with Him about our lives, sing songs about his goodness together while you’re traveling down the road and sit quietly so you may listen to all He has to say.

For many believers the idea of physically walking and talking with Jesus sounds heavenly. We imagine the thrill of watching the Lord’s miracle after miracle and experiencing His spirit in all circumstances. However, one may not be so thrilled about traveling with the mixed bunch of characters who tagged along with Him. Certainly the disciples were an interesting group: fishermen, a tax collector, a carpenter, brothers and who knows what occupations the others held.

Our experience in the body gives us an indication of the variety of personalities and character the disciples may have had. And while it is lovely to gather on Sunday with the body and perhaps even once or twice more during the week, many would struggle spending three years intimately travelling on the road with such a group. So naturally, we can assume there was a number of…we’ll call them differences, on the journey.

Oswald reminds us that the Lord does not want explanations from his follower’s “about the wonderful revelation you have had…” No. Jesus wants us to simply feed His sheep. Walk with them, love them, care for them and nurture them. “Jesus has some extraordinarily peculiar sheep: some that are unkempt and dirty, some that are awkward or pushy, and some that have gone astray!” Jesus commands that Christian’s go into “all the world,” to every people group, and share the gospel. Basically, the Lord has made the job easy. By including everyone in the plan, Christians don’t have to worry about discerning who to share the love of Christ with. It’s simple…EVERYONE!

Walking intimately with Jesus will mean that we will need to “walk” intimately with others on our journey. Some we will enjoy spending time with, others may rub us wrong and cause a blister or two. Still the devoted follower of Christ will learn--in time--how to keep the Lord’s pace in all things. Loving our sojourners will be one of them.

Following after Jesus is a “soul” issue. Tread with care.