What do you think of when you hear the phrase “Walking with God?” Do you think of Moses, Abraham, David, Peter or maybe even Paul? When I hear this phrase I think of Paul and then myself. I like walking with the Lord. I like getting to know Him. I like discovering Who He really is. How about you? Walking with God!

When I really began my walk with the Lord after many years of knowing about Him, I started hearing His voice, not audibly, but in my thoughts. I knew that it was His voice, because I didn’t think that way. Also, He always confirmed it either through His word, someone else or the circumstances played out like He said. This is a great way to live. Sometimes things would go great for long periods of time, and then sometimes it would seem like I was walking through a desert and no one could understand what was happening with me. Each of these seasons were learning times for me. At the end of each one, I would discover more about Who He was and is.

One thing I learned quickly was that not everyone who says they are a believer are. There are a lot of people who attend church or fellowship today who are just like the Pharisees of old. The have an appearance of godliness but deny the power. I learned real quick to not share everything with everyone. Jesus only shared the precious things with those who were close to Him.

How do you walk with the Lord? It is by invitation, His. No one can come to the Lord, except the Father draw them. If you are feeling a tug in your heart right now to get closer to Him, that is Him. It is up to you whether you accept the challenge. It is a challenge. The invitation is free but it will cost you everything. Don’t make the decision lightly, it is an eternal choice.

When I made my decision to go all the way with the Lord, I had to put a condition on it. I knew who I was. I knew what I was capable of without His help. I was a mess, so I added this stipulation. I told Him, “I’ll do whatever You want me to do as long as You help me do it and you bring me through. I don’t want to start this walk and then not be able to finish it.” I also added, “I want you to take care of my family.”

I didn’t know how smart this was until later in my life especially when walking through some of the valleys. You know those times of wanting to give up because your flesh is weak. He doesn’t know the words, “give up.” His grace is always sufficient and His power is made perfect in our weakness. He is so awesome. I can’t think of a better way of life.

I have lived much of my life in times of need. This past year has been good for us. I started this web site a year and a half ago and blessings have been increasing since. He never said it would be easy, but just being able to bless and encourage others blesses me. He is worth so much more than I could have ever given up in this world. You see, even when I am by myself, I am not alone. I don’t have the emptiness in my heart anymore. I am full of His love. The more I give away, the more that floods back into my soul. I have this wonderful treasure and you can too.

Here’s how! Ask Jesus to make Himself real to you. Ask Him to help you get to know Him. Look for a Bible and start reading where you think He wants you to read each day. If you don’t know, simply open it up somewhere and start. Ask Holy Spirit to help you understand it. Ask Him to show you things in the natural. Look at a sunrise or sunset. Listen to the birds sing. Look at nature and listen. What do you hear? Ask Him to share His heart with you. What do you want to know? Ask Him. You may not get the answer right away, but always be listening. If you want to help others, ask Him for the opportunity. Walk the way of love. If you hear something contrary to love, set it aside. Read 1 Corinthians 13, the chapter about love. Discover a whole new world you never knew existed. Discover a whole new you that you’ve never seen.

Father created you. He created me. He longs for His creation to love Him. See Him laugh. Feel His tears as people walk away from Him. Touch His heart and feel His compassion for others. Find out who He is for yourself and don’t just hear what others say about Him. It’s your choice. I’ve made mine. I pray that you have the courage to at least try. What do you have to lose? What do you have to gain? What does it profit a man or woman if they gain the whole world but lose their own soul. Life on this earth is counted in years, eternity has no end. Choose carefully and purposefully.

Joseph James