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The Devotional Diva - Walk in Like Manner
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The Devotional Diva - Walk in Like Manner
By Barbara Gobbs
Executive Assistant and Ministry Partner - Pocket Full of Change Ministries
“The one who says he abides in Him [Jesus] ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” I John 1:6 (NAS95)
I rediscovered this verse during my quiet time not too long ago and since then it’s held my mind captive in the most pleasant way. It reminds me of an incident that occurred in my life many years ago. I’ll share it with you and some may think I’m nuts, but that’s okay. I’m willing to be nuts for Christ.
Several years ago, I was contemplating a trip to the Holy Land. It’s a place I’ve never been, but would like to see one day. Unfortunately, it was not to happen at that time and I was disappointed.
Imagine my surprise when a few days later at work, God spoke audibly to me and gave me wise counsel and good advice. When God goes to all the trouble to speak aloud– we’d better be listening! His message was simple - it was more important to walk how Jesus walked rather than where He walked. WOW! At this point, you may find yourself skeptical that I heard an audible voice and believe me, I understand. There is no doubt in my mind this was of God. Satan surely wouldn’t encourage me to walk like Jesus. Putting aside how God chose to deliver His Word, let’s focus on the message itself. With all my heart, I believe that I John 1:6 confirms my audible communication from God. We are to walk in the same manner as Jesus walked.
With that said, the question turns into just how Jesus walked and it mean to me. Let me share my thoughts with you and I pray the Holy Spirit provides a few of His own for good measure!
I want to start with getting down to walking, in the most literal sense. Jesus walked on rough roads. There is no record of Him owning a camel, so He did like everyone else and roamed the highways of the Holy Land on foot. We can assume He owned sandals, (or can we?) I sure hope He had the luxury of sandals as he walked the highways of earth.
I imagine His feet got sore. I wonder if Christ was troubled with that foot thing, planters-something-or-other. Certainly, there must have been days His precious feet bled from stones in His shoes. He must have stubbed his toes and banged his heels on the unkind terrain. The roads were long, dusty, rocky and dangerous at times. One thing is certain Jesus kept walking.
Christ spent time in the city as well. He taught at the Temple, as was His custom according to the Word. Probably the roads in the city were a bit smoother. They were well-traveled and the numerous residents and visitors created ample pathways. Wouldn’t you agree that when roads are smooth, work can progress with ease and less disruption? I sense that His walk during these times was more comfortable than trotting through the desert plains. Rough roads or smooth, Jesus kept walking.
Of course, who can forget that Jesus walked on water? I bet that image stayed ingrained in the minds of the disciples. It sure made an impression on Peter. For a brief shinning moment, Peter’s feet flapped across the raging waves like walking on marble. Like Christ, Peter walked above the circumstances of a raging sea. At least, he did for a while. There was never a circumstance that Christ didn’t rise above. Peter did the same, until he took his eyes off the Lord, but that’s yet another story. Even on the water, Jesus kept walking.
Jesus walked on this earth only 33 years. Nevertheless, He walked long and hard. He walked steady and with confidence in His Father even when all manners of storms rose against Him. Above all, He never turned back. That’s how Jesus walked!
We can all look at Jesus’ walk and ask the same questions. How is my walk? Do I even have a walk? Have I resorted to an about-face even though the angels sing “Onward Christian Solider?” Today, is our road smooth, rough or across water? I leave you and the Holy Spirit to discuss the matter.
Walking on Son-shine right now!
Barbara
Divinely Inspired Victoriously Active
Barbara Gobbs is a ministry partner with and the Executive Assistant of Pocket Full of Change Ministries. For more information, to schedule a speaker for an event, or to request a newsletter, go to www.pocketfullofchange.org or call Gail Golden, Publicist at 904 316-5462. This ministry is supported by donations. If this ministry helps you or others, and God calls you to help support this work, you can make a donation to Pocket Full of Change Ministry at POB 51205, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32240.
© Pocket Full of Change Ministries
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