God Calls You To Himself Primarily--To Walk Tight With Him. Jesus Will Commission You On Purpose As Well.
The Good Shepherd Has Some Close Companions.
Yes, Choose To Be One Of Them.. Walking With (Not Ahead Of, Not Lagging Behind) Jesus.
I mean, quick to obey Him (according to the Bible).. with no presumption or delays.
Q: Where are people in the Bible and in history who walked closely with Jesus. You know who pleased God, who were faithful, and thus fruitful -- people that God used for His glory? (Let's be like them.)
1. I've heard of that believer, Lawrence – who kept walking with God in his kitchen
In the 1600s, Brother Lawrence was a humble monastery cook in France who learned to “practice the presence of God” while washing dishes and preparing meals. He wrote,
“The time of business does not differ with me from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, I possess God as if I were upon my knees.”
He walked with God not by escaping the ordinary but by inviting Jesus into every task.
2. Seem like we've all heard of Corrie ten Boom – walking with God through suffering
During World War II, Corrie and her family hid Jews from the Nazis, and though she was imprisoned, she continued to walk with the Shepherd through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). She said later,
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
Even in the darkness of Ravensbrück, she led others to Christ, walking with Him in courage and forgiveness.
3. Eric Liddell – walking with God in sports. He ran fast but wouldn't compromise
The Olympic gold medalist and missionary refused to run on Sunday in the 1924 Games because it violated his conviction about the Lord’s Day. Later he told students in China,
“God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”
He walked with the Shepherd both in victory and in missionary service, ultimately dying in a Japanese internment camp — faithful to the end.
4. Have you heard of William Wilberforce – walking with God in politics?
As a member of the British Parliament, Wilberforce fought tirelessly to end the slave trade. He began each morning in Scripture and prayer, walking with God amid political storms. His journal recorded, “God Almighty has set before me two great objects: the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners.” His obedience brought freedom to millions.
5. Billy Graham – went the distance with Jesus. He kept walking with God according to the Bible (that's how it's done) through decades of ministry. Even with worldwide fame, he stayed humble, always beginning his day in the Word. He often said,
“When we come to the end of ourselves, we come to the beginning of God.”
Whether preaching to presidents or prisoners, he never strayed far from the Shepherd’s voice.
6. I know of a modern-day concierge in North Texas who seeks to walk daily with God.
Flawed, but he's a believer who quietly prays before helping guests at his luxury resort. I'm bragging on the God who helps him. He sees each interaction as a divine appointment — a chance to reflect Christ’s kindness. In the lobby, by the valet, in the stillness of early morning — he whispers, “Lord, let them feel Your presence through me.” That is walking with God at work.
7. I know of a godly mother walking with God at her work and at home
My wife is that godly mom walking with Jesus all through the day. Right now, she serves the Lord in the medical field better than anyone I know doing similar work.
These days, and in her 20s, she would do the laundry and pray. She still does. I've helped her a little bit, but she would pray over each child as she folded their garments and thank the Lord for her family. I married above my station--she's better than I deserve. Her kitchen becomes her sanctuary to walk in.
8. A young professional walking with God in the city
He takes a few minutes during lunch breaks to walk outside, leaving his phone behind. Instead, he listens for the Shepherd’s voice, asking, “Lord, what do You want to teach me today?” He returns refreshed, guided, and less anxious.
* Walking together -- That Where Encouragement is.. In Jesus Christ!
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters.” — Psalm 23:1-2
Some sheep walk near, real close with the Shepherd; others stray near the edge of the flock — distracted, self-reliant, or distant. But those who stay close hear His voice clearly and find safety and rest.
George Barna’s 2023 survey found that only one in ten Christians read their Bible daily, and less than 6 percent hold a biblical worldview. Yet those who do consistently engage with Scripture show greater peace, resilience, and moral clarity than those who don’t. The difference is proximity — closeness to the Shepherd.
“The closer you walk with God, the less room there is for anything to come between.” — Corrie ten Boom
“And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known" ~ C. Austin Miles
Ask God for the heart of a proactive (not overly active workaholic-like) shepherd ..calling both saints and sinners to know and walk closely with Jesus. Walk the walk and talk the talk.
“Walking Close with the Shepherd”
A Message for Saints and Sinners Alike
Text: Genesis 5:24, John 10:27–28, Micah 6:8, 1 John 2:6
* Created for a Purpose — “You Are Not an Accident”
Beloved, God has made you for a purpose. You are here for a reason — not by accident or coincidence.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10
Nothing in this world compares to living in the center of God’s will. Many today drift outside of it — chasing pleasure, popularity, or possessions — yet only those walking with Jesus know true peace.
“The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot keep you.” — Billy Graham
May I ask you: What are you here to perform?
What divine assignment has God entrusted to your hands, your voice, your life?
* The Shepherd’s Call — “Come, Walk With Me”
From Genesis to Revelation, God has been calling people to walk with Him.
“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” — Genesis 5:24
“Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.” — Genesis 6:9
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.” — Colossians 2:6
“He didn’t just believe in God — he walked with Him. For three centuries, he made fellowship with God the habit of his life.” ~ David Jeremiah
Jesus, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) walks right. He's walked the walk as the Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20), and the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), still leads His sheep to green pastures and quiet waters. Some stay near His side. Others stray to the edges — distracted, busy, or distant — placing themselves in danger when wolves draw near.
Which are you?
* The Danger of Distance — “Don’t Run Ahead, Don’t Lag Behind”
The Spirit often gives a gentle directive that aligns with the Word. The time between hearing that voice and obeying it measures your maturity.
If you run ahead — you act presumptuously, assuming what God wants before He has spoken.
If you lag behind — you resist, procrastinate, or partially obey.
* Remember How King Saul Didn't Walk The Walk--He Disobeyed:
“Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you from being king.” — 1 Samuel 15:23
Delayed obedience and partial obedience is not obedience -- that's also disobedience.
Saul’s hesitation and not doing what God told Him to do -- it cost him the kingdom.
Some, like the messenger who ran to King David without the full report (2 Samuel 18:19–33), rush ahead without the full message. Others delay so long that opportunities vanish.
Believer — stay close enough to the Shepherd to move when He moves, to stop when He stops.
* What Are Some Examples of Walking With God
Lawrence practiced God’s presence while scrubbing pots: “The time of business does not differ from the time of prayer.”
Corrie in a Nazi prison said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
Eric Liddell walked with God in the Olympics and in missions: “When I run, I feel His pleasure.”
William Wilberforce walked with God in Parliament, transforming a nation.
They all had one thing in common — they stayed in touch to help others get in touch. They walked closely with Jesus in the ordinary moments of life.
Come, Walk This Road With Christ -- He Is The Father's Way For You.
Unbeliever, hear me: God is calling you to repent, believe in His Son, and walk with Him all the way home.
“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
No matter how far you’ve strayed, the Shepherd still seeks His lost sheep walking away.
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” — John 10:27
Saint, let me exhort you: tighten it up, that gate..with steps. Walk nearer than before. Don’t settle for a distant faith.
No wonder the flock feels scattered — too many have lost sight of the Shepherd’s leading.
Let us return. Let’s close the gap between hearing and doing, between belief and obedience.
“Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea.
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.”
Go the Distance, All the Way Home. Get to Jesus before dark.
Friend, this is a walking journey — not really a sprint, not a drift, but it's a walk. The Good Shepherd invites you to walk beside Him through every valley, every mountaintop, every ordinary hour of your day.
Will you walk with Him?
Will you obey quickly, fully, joyfully?
Will you live the life for which you were created?
Come — saints, step nearer.
Come — sinners, come all the way home. Finish strong in Him.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8
The amount of time it takes from hearing a directive from the Holy Spirit that is in agreement with the Bible, and actually performing it ..is in direct correlation to your spiritual maturity.
Again. Don’t run ahead of the Lord in presumption. Don’t lag behind in hesitation. Be the obedient, prayerful child who walks so near that you hear His footsteps.
Think about Enoch, He did that for over three centuries.
Genesis 5:22, 24: “And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah … And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”
Hebrews 11:5: “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death; and was not found, because God had taken him.”
There was a day in Enoch’s life when he chose to walk with God.. His whole purpose was to please God.
Enoch reminds us that walking with God is not merely some phase or phrase — it is about a deliberate choice, leading to consistent fellowship, obedience, and relationship.
What God's Word Commands
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“This then is what the LORD requires of you: to act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8
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“As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” — Colossians 2:6
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“He that says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk even as He walked.” — 1 John 2:6
Walking with God means STAYING in step with the living Word, responding to the promptings of the Spirit—and moving into full obedience. That's where the blessing is.
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If you delay, you fall behind.
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If you rush ahead without clarity or counsel, you risk presumption.
Let your maturity be shown not only in what you hear, but in *what you do.
Think about Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok the priest, who was known for his swiftness. He insisted on running to tell King David about the victory over his enemies, despite being initially told to wait. He wasn't really prepared.. but ran anyways. There'd be no reward for him.
According to George Barna’s research:
Only about 6% of U.S. adults hold a full biblical worldview — integrating belief and behavior.
His earlier data show only ~4% of adults make their decisions based on a biblical worldview.
In other words, many claim faith, but few walk consistently in the light of that faith.
Believer — let your walk testify louder than your talk.
“Every Christian should live a God-guided life. If you are not guided by God, you will be guided by something else.” — Eric Liddell
“The vigor of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts.” — George Müller
“As I walk with Jesus to my home above, He will bless me with His Spirit and fill me with His love, Change my heart forever and help me clearly see. I will walk with Jesus, and He will walk with me.” Anon.
Let these words stir your inner being — not just as poetry, but as a commitment of the will.
Take Wise Steps.. One By One.. With Jesus Today
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Ask: “What has the Spirit spoken that aligns with Scripture?”
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Look at the gap: How long from hearing to doing? If the gap is wide, ask for growth.
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Choose: Don’t lag behind in hesitation. Don’t run ahead without His voice. Walk in humility, listening.
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Reflect: Is your Bible held high in your life? Are your decisions shaped by it?
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Walk: In your job, in your ministry, in your relationships — let your steps reflect your Christ-walk.
Perhaps You Need Some Encouragement?
Believer, you are invited into more than activity daily by many — you are invited into intimacy by One who loves you more. Like Enoch, choose the path of fellowship. Let obedience become your real rhythm. Let the Spirit’s promptings become your quick steps of obedience. Sure, slow down to listen, to be quiet before him, even if others rush or try to drag you away early, you will find yourself walking with God instead — and that is the sweetest place to be.
In The Bible Who Walked with God?
1. Enoch – walked with God for 300 years
“And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters.. And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” — Genesis 5:22, 24 (KJV)
2. Noah – walked with God
“Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.”
— Genesis 6:9
3. Abraham – commanded to walk before God
“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.”
— Genesis 17:1
4. Isaac and Jacob – their walk continued in covenant
“The LORD God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk…”
— Genesis 48:15
5. David – walked before God in truth and integrity
“I have walked before Thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in Thy sight.” — 2 Kings 20:3 (Hezekiah speaking of David’s example)
“For David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that He commanded him all the days of his life…” — 1 Kings 15:5
6. The faithful in Israel – urged to walk with Him
“He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
— Micah 6:8
7. The redeemed in the New Testament – walking in the Spirit
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.”
— Colossians 2:6
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:7
“He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.”
— 1 John 2:6
* Who Were Some Who Sadly Did Not Walk with God?
1. Cain
“And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD…”
— Genesis 4:16
2. The people before the Flood
“The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.”
— Genesis 6:11–12
3. The Israelites in rebellion
“Because that they have not executed My judgments, but have despised My statutes… they have walked after the heathen.”
— Ezekiel 5:7
4. King Saul
“Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, He hath also rejected thee from being king.”
— 1 Samuel 15:23
5. The wicked in general wouldn't, and didn't walk with God.
“They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable.”
— Romans 3:12
Who do you want to walk close with?
Will you walk with God like Enoch — or walk away like Cain?
Don’t run ahead of God presumptuously — “for they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).
Please don’t lag behind Him either — “Follow Me,” Jesus said (Matthew 4:19).
Walking with God means staying in step with His Spirit — not rushing ahead with pride, nor dragging behind in fear.
“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”
— Amos 3:3
Walk Close with the Shepherd - This is A Message for Saints and Sinners Alike“The closer you walk with God, the less room there is for anything to come between.” — Corrie ten Boom
Text: Genesis 5:24, John 10:27–28, Micah 6:8, 1 John 2:6
1. Created for a Purpose — “You Are Not an Accident”
Beloved, God has made you for a purpose. You are here for a reason — not by accident or coincidence.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10
Nothing in this world compares to living in the center of God’s will. Many today drift outside of it — chasing pleasure, popularity, or possessions — yet only those walking with Jesus know true peace.
“The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot keep you.” — Billy Graham
May I ask you: What are you here to perform?
What divine assignment has God entrusted to your hands, your voice, your life?
2. The Shepherd’s Call — “Come, Walk With Me”
From Genesis to Revelation, God has been calling people to walk with Him.
“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” — Genesis 5:24
“Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.” — Genesis 6:9
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.” — Colossians 2:6
Dr. David Jeremiah says of Enoch,
“He didn’t just believe in God — he walked with Him. For three centuries he made fellowship with God the habit of his life.”
Jesus, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), the Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20), and the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), still leads His sheep to green pastures and quiet waters. Some stay near His side. Others stray to the edges — distracted, busy, or distant — placing themselves in danger when wolves draw near.
Which are you?
3. The Danger of Distance — “Don’t Run Ahead, Don’t Lag Behind”
The Spirit often gives a gentle directive that aligns with the Word. The time between hearing that voice and obeying it measures your maturity.
If you run ahead — you act presumptuously, assuming what God wants before He has spoken.
If you lag behind — you resist, procrastinate, or partially obey.
Some, like the messenger who ran to King David without the full report (2 Samuel 18:19–33), rush ahead without the full message. Others delay so long that opportunities vanish.
Believer — stay close enough to the Shepherd to move when He moves, to stop when He stops.
Let us return. Let’s close the gap between hearing and doing, between belief and obedience tight.
And from Trust and Obey:
“When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way.
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.”
