Step Into

2 P&P Weekly Blog for 10-16 August 2024

Archway in a local garden

We found this archway in a local garden. Why did I find it appealing? Because of all the layers and textures. Did you notice the frame that is formed from the stone arch itself? What about the brick that invites you to step into the scene and stroll this way? How about the lush green of the grass and foliage after recent rains that appear so vibrantly? Did you notice the fountain in motion, as well as the water in the background? 

What do these things have to do with a spiritual lesson? I'm glad you asked! Perhaps it’s because we’re getting older, or maybe it’s because the Lord has us digging deeper in our walk with Him, but we find that we’re looking for Him—in everything. 

Since I gave my life to Christ at a young age, I can trace God’s faithfulness back to so many areas of childhood. I can see His protection and provision in supernatural ways. I can see His hand leading us to where we are now—working unto Him in a full-time capacity—because He was grooming us to memorize Scripture and want to know more of Who He was—as we developed from kids into adulthood. 

I can see how the Lord led Doug into the Air Force and guided us from place to place, from home to home, to where we are now. I can see how God taught us to trust Him through times of difficulty, hardship, loss, and grief. Yet, all along, He’s held us in the palm of His hand. 

We have literally and figuratively stood on mountaintops and experienced valley lows. But all the while, the Lord Himself has been our green pasture and has led us to refreshing streams. He’s helped us catch our breath and kept us from falling. He’s been with us in the shadows and been our guiding Light. 

In every layer and texture of this life, we’ve been blessed to call Jesus our Savior, Abba Daddy, Good Shepherd, and dearest Companion. I’m so thankful that He’s the One Who’s framing our journey according to His Will and plan. I’m thrilled to follow like a sheep where He leads. I’m always up for the chance to receive His instruction and anointing so that my life displays a vibrancy that only He could instill within my heart. And I’m always asking Him to fill me with His Spirit and Living Water so I am a vessel that He can use for His kingdom. 

Might you wish to experience His touch like this garden, too? To be growing and flourishing and to bring the Father glory? 

Then, step forward in faith. Believe with a heart full of hope. And trust the One Who can take everything in your life and make it new. That’s the power of His grace. That’s the wonder of His gift of Salvation. And that’s the sense of belonging that we’re given to be called His son/daughter. Come into the kingdom and enter the space of His all-encompassing love. Step into … all that He’s got planned for you. Step into … a vibrant, growing, exciting way to live! 

Psalm 23: “The Eternal is my shepherd, He cares for me always. 2 He provides me rest in rich, green fields beside streams of refreshing water. He soothes my fears; 3 He makes me whole again, steering me off worn, hard paths to roads where truth and righteousness echo His name. 4 Even in the unending shadows of death’s darkness, I am not overcome by fear. Because You are with me in those dark moments, near with Your protection and guidance, I am comforted. 5 You spread out a table before me, provisions in the midst of attack from my enemies; You care for all my needs, anointing my head with soothing, fragrant oil, filling my cup again and again with Your grace. 6 Certainly Your faithful protection and loving provision will pursue me where I go, always, everywhere.I will always be with the Eternal, in Your house forever (VOICE).”

1 Peter 2:5: “And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God (NLT).”

Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you (ESV).”

Isaiah 30:21: “And whether you turn to the right or turn to the left, your ears will hear a message behind you: 'This is the way, walk in it (ISV).'”

Isaiah 58:11: “And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail (ESV).”

Dear Lord, I will look for You today as I read Your Word and seek Your holy presence. I will seek Your guidance and direction for every decision and every step. How I long for my life to emulate Yours. Teach me, Jesus, to come to You in the good times and the difficult ones also. Help me to trust You in every circumstance, knowing that You’re working something of each—for my good, for training, or Your glory. And in the meantime, I’m taking in the green pastures and still waters. I’m refreshed by sitting at Your feet. And I’m encouraged by Your anointing, correction, and eternal, faithful care of this one who is trusting You completely. Amen. 

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