Watching Your Step

I remember it as if it were yesterday. I was doing my laundry in the barracks, minding my own business, when I was taken from the reality of my washing to the reality of the spirit realm. There before me was absolute darkness, so dark I could not distinguish anything around me. Then a familiar voice came from everywhere, a voice that I knew, my Father asked, "Do you want to know how to follow?"

I was struggling with some things in which I needed clear direction from God. I had no idea what to do, no plan I could execute, and I was feeling overwhelmed. I had spent much time in prayer, but the direction eluded me, or so it seemed. Then, when I was not really looking for it, my answer came. As I closed the lid on the washer it was "lights out."

I remember saying, "You know I do, I want to know what to do." As the words came forth the area beneath my feet lit up. I could see nothing but my two feet in a halo of brilliant white light. I remember thinking, "I know where I am, but where am I going?" Again the Father's voice spoke gently to me, "Step out."

I had no idea what I was going to step into, but, at His word I lifted my foot. Immediately the light under my foot went out and a new light lit the place where I would step. I remember it being such a cool thing that I just sat and enjoyed it for a minute. Then I picked up my other foot, and the same thing happened. I never thought about what was around me, what was beyond that next footfall, or where the journey would lead. I was taken with the next step.

Suddenly, I was once again in the laundry and heard the thud of the washer lid. Isn't it funny how the realm of the spirit is not limited by time or space. As the noise of lid echoed through the tub of the washer I asked, "But where am I going, what am I to do?" I got no answer as such, but heard a friends voice singing as song that has followed me for more than 20 years. The words are that of the psalmist, ...

"The steps of the righteous man are ordered of the Lord, and he delights in His way." (Ps. 37:23)

I am thankful I did not know all of the ins and outs of the path that lay ahead of me. It would have terrified me to see some of what I have faced, and it could have caused me to be discouraged and quit, but God had other plans. As I sit at this keyboard, I can truthfully say that the Father has been faithful in leading me in paths that have been for His glory and my blessing. When I have stepped into the lighted marks, I have seen Him come through mightily on my behalf. When I tried to do it my way, ignored His direction, or failed to seek the next step, I have always paid a price. But, even then, the Father has been always ready to forgive my failings and restore me to the path He has set before me.

I have watched others who have found the Father's lead to be all they need. They are amazing men and women of God. Would that we would all take this in its simplicity, follow His lead, and change our world for His glory.

The Value of a Local Church

Since I got saved I have always been part of a Local Church. I haven't always appreciated the value of these relationships, but I have always valued them.

So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out.
Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his
word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not
avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially
as we see the big Day approaching.
Peterson, E. H. (2003). The Message : The Bible in contemporary
language (Heb 10:22-25). Colorado Springs, Colo.: NavPress.

You see, we need each other. We have so much that is of value to one another, so much to make our brothers and sisters a success in living the Christian life. We need those who come along side to cheer us on, to encourage us, to build one another up, and to help each other realize our destiny together. We need to be speaking into one another's lives, sharing the truth that produces faith, and letting God speak through us. No, we are not all called to pulpit ministry, but Jesus did call us all to preach.

And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every
creature."
The New King James Version. 1982 (Mk 16:15). Nashville: Thomas
Nelson.

As we think about this we are often intimidated, but the truth is we don't need to come up with some rehearsed speech or clever argument, but rather, we need do nothing more than share the reality of what the Lord has done in our lives. We are here to share the Good News!

1. Good news, the healing God promised is real, I know because He has healed me of my sickness and disease.
2. Good news, God answers prayer, I know because He answers my prayers.
3. Good news, you can have peace in the midst of your turmoil, I know because He has given me the peace that passes all understanding.
4. Good news, God will set you free, I know you can have it, because I have been set free.
5. Good news, I know how you can have a sense of security that will keep you on top of any and every situation, I know because He has given me the safety and security that has changed my world.
6. Good news, God has a plan for your life, a plan to give you so much blessing, so many good things that you haven't even begun to imagine, I know because I am walking out HIs plan for me and am overwhelmed by His goodness.
7. God loves you, God wants to have an intimate personal friendship with you, to make you part of His family, and that is the best news of all.

Let us not forget how we got into the kingdom. Someone cared enough to tell us about the good news, to share with us what had become reality to them. As a result of what they "preached" to us, we joined God's family and now have a life that we could only have dreamed about before we met Christ.

This is what we, the Local Church, do. Then we join as members of the same family, gather to encourage one another, gather to disciple one another, and gather to make one another a success in following after God with all our hearts.