Friday, February 12, 2010

Walking And Talking

Focus verses: Genesis 6:9 and 2 Peter 2:5

We've all heard the phrase, if you are going to talk the talk, you'd better be ready to walk the walk. Your walk must match your talk. That's part of the definition of integrity.

We can read through all of the story of the flood and it's aftermath. Nowhere does it say Noah spoke to anyone about God and His plans.

But in Second Peter, the scripture calls Noah "a preacher of righteousness." Implicit in walking with God is the idea of speaking of God. When you have a good friend, you quote that friend in your conversation with others. You share that friend's thoughts (the public ones) with people around you because you found value in those thoughts.

How much more should we who claim Christ be willing to share the thoughts of the Lord with those around us. You don't need to have a church or mission to be a preacher of righteousness.

You preach by example as well as by word. If your daily life reflects your walk with God, you are a preacher. Your words may be simple and few, but you are still preaching. Or you may be loquacious and talking all the time. In which case, your walk should reflect what you are saying.

If we would reflect the light of Christ to a hurting world, we need to keep ourselves close to Him, walking with Him, listening to Him, so that what we do and say exemplifies what He would have us be.

Father, God,

Help us to stay focused on Your will in our lives. Keep us faithful to the task You have set before us. Strengthen us to be people of integrity, reflecting You to all the world around us.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Walking With God

Focus verses: Genesis 5:24 and Genesis 6:9

Enoch and Noah had this in common. They are recorded as having "walked with God." What an epitaph! He walked with God.

But exactly what does that mean? How does one walk with God? Amos says: Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? Agreement simply means that both parties are of one mind as to the destination and the route.

If we want to walk with God, we must agree with God. He never changes. So we must change to fit His plans.

Our destination is eternity with Him. Our route has been laid out for us. Jesus said "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life."

Study of this Book, the Bible, will lead us to a closer walk with God. Making time to be in His presence alone will give us the strength to lean on Him in the trials of the world. As we grow in His grace and favor, He will lead us gently to our destination, no matter if the scenery around us is sometimes wild and terrifying.

Let us determine to carve out personal time for Him in our daily busy-nesses.

Father, God,

Strengthen our resolve to spend time with You alone. Grant us the favor of Your presence in the midst of the chaos of our lives. Reassure us that You have a plan, no matter what the scenery around us looks like.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.