DEVOTIONAL INSIGHTS & REFLECTIONS

He Walks With Me - January 19

Lately, either early morning after devotions (if I wake up in time) or at least every evening (around 9pm), I walk and pray. I started the walking for exercise, but it's always quiet and easy to think about Him when I'm outside in this way. My goal is to walk with God, like Enoch... If Enoch did it, it is possible for us to do as well.

And Enoch walked [in habitual fellowship] with God; and he was not, for God took him [home with Him]. [Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5, Amplified bible.]

Noah walked with God in the same way... (See Genesis 6:9.)

As I walk with God as best I know how, I'm reminded of the following hymn. If you are interested in the history behind the writing of it, see the Wikepedia link at the bottom of this post.

I Come To The Garden Alone Hymn

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.

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. (refrain)

He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

I’d stay in the garden with Him
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.

by C. Austin Miles (1868–1946)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_the_Garden_(1912_song)

Another little tidbit on Rev. Miles, in his own words---"Burned out- a refining fire":

I defiantly left the ministry with a vow never to return. The worst years of my life followed. My rebellion grew to the point that God found it necessary to send me to the pits where I could truly hear His voice....... In the midst of the chaos, God had a Divine plan and used three men and a poodle to get me back on track...... With God foremost in your life, in your work and focus, no man, thing, committee or hierarchy will ever manage to get between you and God again. This is the way it has worked for me.

I would try to impress this upon all Christians: Every soul you encounter, even those who observe you from a distance (such as the supermarket or on the street) has been entrusted to your care. You will be accountable for that soul and how your conduct affected it. A sobering thought and challenge indeed. You never know who may be struggling, even those who appear secure. Don't let anyone down.

The boot camp required of me was tough but essential. It has proved to be the greatest thing that ever happened to me. I no longer have the need for man's approval or acceptance. I am now serving Him on His terms. And the entire ministry today, for me, is joy unspeakable and full of Glory!