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Welcome to those of you who have found your way here after reading my Proverbs 31 Encouragement for Today devotion. If you haven’t read it, click here to see what we are commetning about today.
You back? Good. Let’s chat.
Have you, like Peter, ever followed at a distance?
Are you ever tempted to now?
What part does the Bible play in helping us to stay close behind Christ, following His lead?
These are the things we are chatting about here today.
Leave a comment today about this topic and you will be entered to win a Walking With Jesus giveaway. It includes:
~ A copy of our newly released NIV Real Life Devotional Bible for Women. {A $34.99 value!}
~ A $10 Target card
~ A Ghiradelli Intense dark chocolate bar
Winner announced Wednesday.
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Speaking of winners, the winner of Julie GIllies book Prayers for a Woman’s Soul is: Maryann Schwinge. Send your home address to kim@proverbs31.org
Hi there! Yes, indeed it is so easy to gradually get further and further from Jesus! Our lives get busy and we are trying to do “good”, when suddenly we realize we have gotten away from what it most important ~ our time in God’s Word. That is is the only way to learn more about our Saviour. When we know Him more we will want to serve Him more and tell others about Him. Let us all pray for each other to make time each and every day to spend time in the Bible. It doesn’t need to be a long time but quality time getting to know more about the King of Kings!
Quality vs. quantity…thanks for that reminder too. I think sometimes we want to give more time but as the short heartfelt prayer really touched a lot of this morning this is a good reminder to give our whole hearts when we get together with the Lord. Like having coffee with a friend and giving our full attention.
For over 45 years I have felt that God/Jesus is with me and by my side continuously. So I would say that it is more of a friendship than someone I don’t know. We talk daily like friends do, or I Talk to him every morning then listen for him the rest of my day.
YES. It never ever fails. Following at a distance does not ‘work’. If we are not seeking Him, we grow distant! For the longest time, I thought that I could have an amazing Bible Study experience, or retreat, or worship at church, and that would last me awhile. I would be all filed up, and then not follow up. And the distance between God and Me would eventually be evident. In many ways, I am mature in my faith – I don’t believe I’d ever deny Him! Not verbally at least. But the way I show proof of Jesus in my life, the reflection of Him dims when I’m not spending time with him. And to others, it may indeed read as a denial!
I’ve always felt like i’ve kept the Lord at a distance because I haven’t trusted fully. I believe in Jesus with my.whole heart bit i’ve always relied on myself to get things done and now I’m at a point in my life where I have to trust solely on the Lord and it’s scary. I’m single with no children and I’m responsible for making a living and because of a job loss I’m in the wait on me and rest phase. I’m not good at either of those and I’m trying so hard to stand on Gods word that sometimes I actually wonder if standing on His Word would help. I want to be a writer. It’s been my greatest passion for years, but i’m getting ready to turn 36 and I wonder if that’s too old. I’ve kept the Lord at a distance for so long and wasted so many years that I wish I could get back and although I never denied him…i’m sure I disappointed him. I hold on to scripture of “For nothing is impossible with God” and “We are saved by grace” which I am so thankful for because on works alone…I would fail.
Thank you so much for this reflective devotion today. I have been trying for years to figure out how to continue an intimate relationship with Christ while balancing my increasing responsibilities as a wife, mother and full time worker. I was closest to God before I was blessed with all of those titles : ). I realize that I can’t spend as much time as I did before doing those things that drew me closest however finding a balance in this season of life an be challenging. I miss being so close yet I cherish these times when I’m challenged to not give up and cherish times like these when I can sit and reflect on his word. It may not be the hours of study that I used to do but it keeps Christ alive in my heart.
Thank you for the wonderful devotional this morning! I am definitely guilty of following at a distance at times. It happens when I don’t spend time with Him in the morning to start my day with God’s word on my heart. I am so excited about the devotional Bible!!!
I m actually diving into devotions and God’s word and prayer because of a trial. I’m not proud that it took this to pull me back in but I pray that God gives my family a testimony through this.
Thank you for this reminder today. I think it is nice to be reminded that even those that had the privilege of physically seeing, touching, talking to, and walking beside Jesus still failed and disappointed. And yet, Jesus still loved him and forgave him and Peter went on to do a mighty work for The Lord after his crucifixion. Personally, I have been struggling with a chronic illness for years and with heart desires to have another child, and God keeps showing up in ways I don’t expect. Ways like allowing more physical struggle to give me a blessing that will hopefully give me the desires of my heart. God puts a friend in my life that will boldly point me back to scripture instead of commiserate with me. God puts me in a church where truth is preached each week that is applicable to my life and how to live in this fallen world. God does not make mistakes. The best part of salvation by grace is knowing that no matter how bad I screw up or think I have screwed up, God’s grip on me is secure and eternal. My prayer is that I will always be sensitive enough to listen to the heart tugs and be faithful in my walk with Him. I pray that I will learn each day how to walk closer beside Him and not follow at a distance.
I love the ways you gently remind us of how much we are loved and how we can improve our “walk” w/ our Savior. powerful! Thanks for your inspirations!
Thank you for this encouragement today and for ALL the encouragements everyday. I can relate to each and every one of them and I look forward to receiving them each day!! I believe that a lot of us, including myself, tend to be a Peter by following Jesus at a distance. I’m raising my hand right now because this is definitely me. Especially at my job where there is such a need for Him. I would definitely enjoy winning the NIV Women’s Devotional Bible to further my walking alonside Jesus, not behind Him.
What a blessing it is to start my day with Proverbs 31 devotion time! I am working hard to make time for it each morning. But, ahhhh now the challenge to put the Bible Study time back into my daily walk more consistently! That is definitely a greater, more important challenge! Thank you for reminding me that I need to do that! God bless you!
I,too, am guilty of this. About a year ago, a friend told me about this website and since then I have started my day with your devotions. It has truly changed my life in so many ways. Thank you,
My goal is to reread the entire Bible this year, and strengthening my devotional walk. This time I am using the NIV. It has been so much easier this time around to read fresh, informative, enlightening passages, finding something you might have missed the last time through, or to see it in a different way this time around. Topics also coincide with the Global Studies class that I work with at my job. Our ladies SS classes as well, have been all about encouraging one another and striving to be what God desires for us. Thanks for your devotionals that help tie all of this together.
Guilty. What a wonderful inspiration to hold close!
I want to thank you for your words. Each day that I read the messages from the Proverbs 31 Ministries convicts with my relationship with Jesus and God. I want a stronger relationship with Him but I feel that I let the “world” interfer with a right relationship with Him. I do find myself lagging behind Him waiting to see what He will do. He has delivered me a number of times but I need to let go and let God. I ask you to pray for me and my family but to mostly pray for mt friend, Judy, who is struggling with cancer. The doctors have said they have done all they can do but I know their is a healer who can heal her, if that is His will. Pray for her strength but mostly mine to accept what He has decided for her. Thank you and continue to bless us with your words and prayers.
Thank you for blessing me with this reminder. It was what I needed to hear today!
I loved today’s devotion, it was the perfect way to start the day. I encourage women all the time to read the Proverbs 31 daily devotion on the web, it seems like they all speak to me, and wash blessing over my day. I enjoy the message and coinciding scripture, and usually take the time to click on the blogger’s page and learn more. I can’t wait to get into the new NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women. Thank you for bringing God’s word and love to my mornings.
How wonderful! I was just discussing Peter with my daughter this morning. We were talking about how he was full of good intentions and still managed to get in his own way. I can so relate to Peter, which is why this devotional touched me so personally. Thanks for calling me out to walk closer!
you have given me a lot to think about today. Do I follow at a distance?
My days go so much better when I spend time with the Lord in the morning. But even then, sometimes I’m only going through the motions. I don’t want to just check off “devotion and prayer” as “done” on my list. I want to really talk to and listen to Jesus. I want to follow Him closely, not from a distance.
It is hard to get close to God if youdon’t read your bible.
Thank you for your posting-I do this and wish I didn’t. Good to keep thinking and praying about it.
I want to delve into God’s Word more and am making it my goal. Thank you for your post today. Many blessings.
Thank you for this post this morning. This has been weighing on me heavily for a few weeks now. I have let myself left away from God and reading the Bible through busy daily life, from kids, to their activities, work and home life. I have been feeling the “push” as I call it to stop doing that and get back into His word frequently. I will defiently have this on my mind today and praying about it.
Sometimes when I find myself holding back from closely following Jesus I look at who I am trying to impress. Then I realise that this person will not matter to me when the end of my life is here. The only one who will matter is the one I am shunning right now, Jesus. Realising this always makes me come to my sences.
The more intentional I am in my walk with Jesus, the more intentional I am in sharing that walk with others. It sure isn’t easy and I’m definitely a novice! I love daily devotionals and the P31 gals so I’m sure I would put this book to good use! Thanks, Karen for all you do… You are very much appreciated!
Thank you for this reminder that getting close with God involves digging deep into God’s Word. Many days I just get glimpses, and this carries me for that day. But, many days I struggle with attitude, unhealthy thoughts and wise words, which is a sign that I need to go deeper. I love reading a daily devotion. They have scriptures, and they truly inspire me. At this time in my life, I feel God calling me back to His Word, just me and Him.
When I hear the words in a popular worship song “if this life I lose, I will follow you”‘, I often wonder if I could go the distance. Thank you for posting.
The devotion speaks to exactly what our whole church has been talking about for the past couple of weeks it is easy to get “busy” with every day life. I know for me I tend to use that as an excuse. Christ wasn’t to busy to go to the cross on my behalf. I have to be willing to seek Jesus through reading my Bible and studying daily before I start my day. If it’s something I really want to do I will find time to do this. Thank you for these devotions. I must be diligent in my walk with Christ.
Daily time with my Lord in the Word has been my habit for years and years. Yet sometimes my heart is so cold I wonder that He does not spew me out. There is always refreshment to be found and applied.
What wonderful blessings we miss when we “lag” behind. Taking things into our own hands instead of giving God the control and glory robs both our Lord and ourselves.
While the importance of God’s Word to our daily walk might seem like a “duh!”, it didn’t take me long to realize that it is the doing and not the mere knowing that counts! I must be following closely and consistently if I want to grow to be more Christlike. I can’t just know about God and His word, I must know Him and His Word and make the daily effort to follow close behind…to acknowledge that He is God and I am not.
I really enjoyed hearing you at the Hearts at Home Conference this weekend! It was my first time attending, and I was SO blessed! I am hoping to go every year from.now on.
Thank you so much for your thoughts about Peter. How gracious of a God that we have when his name was changed from Simon to Peter. Christ knew that Peter would become that “rock” and would stand firm when things got really tough. Look at how many were converted to their belief in Christ, when Peter understood his role. How I pray that I too would become bold and stand firm in my work place and be ready to share Christ without reservation of what they might think of me.
This devotional hits close to home. Being a follower of Christ in a house with a husband who isn’t, it’s easy to get off Gods path. I need to be in the Word everyday to stay strong against all the worldly temptations that would love to pull me away from Jesus. Thank you for the reminder.
Thank you for walking so close that He uses you and your team as messengers to so many. I have forwarded my devotions to family and friends. When we are dealing with something, God uses the Proverbs 31 team to get us on the right track. That is just amazing. I love that many of the people that I love are sharing the same devotion. The best was when my son-in-law called and asked for my email address. He wanted to send me something. You have probabably guessed….It was the daily devotion from God via Proverbs 31. Thanks and to God be the glory.
Earlier this yr i have begun to read the one year bible, amd He is drawing me closer to Him. I need Him more and more, I cant seem to get enough of His love for me.
Karen, your devotional was so timely. I know that when I am in HIs Word daily, the closeness of the relationship I feel with Jesus helps me with the other relationships in my life. When I am walking with Jesus daily in His Word, I am a better wife, mother, friend, daughter, etc. Thank you for the reminder that all I need to do is reach out and open my Bible and Jesus is always there for me. He never walks away, He is always right there waiting. We can not follow from a distance, He wants us up close and personal (:
Thank you for your devotion this morning and the reminder of the need to always be in His Word!
I want to walk closely with my Lord and Savior, but sometimes it is so easy to just forget to pray, and be filled with God’s word. I need to make it a conscience effort. To think about and meditate harder on God’s word.
My actions are the pretty much the same regardless of who is watching but I am much more outspoken about what I know to be true when the audience is friendly. It would be great to have Peter’s boldness no matter who was in earshot.
Thank you for these words. I could see a glimpse of myself in them. I have been trying to be more intentional about walking next to Jesus. Being in His word makes all the difference!
Sometimes walking at a distance can feel justifiable. After all, we have not totally
brokena fellowship we can still “see” Jesus. We may even experience that outflow of the benefits of following him.
However, I think it’s the most dangerous place to be “close enough” but not committed. Thank you for this reminder. Intimacy, commitment, discipline to God and His word is the only way to capture the heart and mind of God and experience the full benefit of relationship with HIM.
Thank you for your devotional. I too, sad to say have that tendency to do as Peter did.
Great words of encouragement!! I too like so many have allowed themselves to not walk beside Jesus. We let other “worldly” things take their place beside instead of Jesus. Thank you for the reminder!!!
I’m relatively new to walking with and seeing Jesus. I grew up Roman Catholic but got very disheartened over the years with their treatment of followers and the ever growing scandals. Last year i found a wonderful laid back, welcoming Methodist based church and have been going ever since. I am a work in progress with my walk, but i am constantly trying and i became pretty active in the community too. Your devotional today really spoke to my heart and is a good reminder to keep going and not give up. So thank you
I too feel I have not put God as a priority. Life lately is taking all my time and I do not make enough time for God. I never had a devotional and it would be a blessing to help me always make time for God and then let life go on. Thank you for the opportunity to win a great and blessed gift. Thank you again and God Bless.
There was a time that I did follow God way back. I also found myself listening to the enemy alot more than I should. When I realized affter that I needed to follow God more closely then I began to do this. It has helped me in the long run to follow God closer than far away. I now feel like God is closer than I realize.
It’s so easy in the scheme of day-to-day to “be at a distance” and not even know it. It’s what Casting Crowns calls the “Slow Fade.” No wonder when we go to return to the wellspring of His grace we find the walk takes longer than we thought. There’s something to be said for staying close by His side. (And thanks be to God that, like Peter, we are still welcomed back when we realized the distance we’ve created. God simply asks, “Do you love me?” and when we say “Yes!” He says “Welcome home!”)
There have been times in my life that I wish I had been following Jesus more closely. Sadly, I had turned away from him. I’m still not at his right side but I feel like each and every day I am closer to his footsteps. I now know that whatever challenge I am facing I can turn to scripture for answers and talk it out with Jesus. Thankyou for this devotion!
A am so thankful for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I am especially glad to have found the online Bible studies. Besides getting into the Word every day, speaking the Word aloud and also telling others (and reminding myself) of the LORD’s faithfulness in the past keeps me close to Christ.
Thank you for the devotional! That’s where I am now. Great intentions to draw close thru His word but then I allow other distractions in. I needed the encouragement of your devotion today.
What a stinger right to my heart! I definitely have been following Jesus from a distance for some time now. As of lately, I immerse myself in devotionals, but hardly ever crack open the Bible. What a conviction! I will definitely make it a point to walk in God’s Word daily.
I am now reading “Not a Fan” and have really been in the process of identifying that I am Not just a fan but there are so many “followers” – this devotion today was another reminder that I need to be more intentional about my walk. Thanks!
What a hard thing to think about! I feel convicted by this topic, even though I am involved in many Bible studies and active in church – but I agree with many of the other comments, that while I’m doing studies and devotionals, I rarely open my Bible. Not nearly as much as I should, that’s for sure! I really need to make that my focus, and not the other books! Thank you for this reminder, I will absolutely be working on it!
Great point Krysta. Sometimes we can fool ourselves to think that we’re ok because we’re studying the bible or helping others in different ways. We blind ourselves with works and forget to feed our faith. I like your comment about no other books too because I too will start reading other books for added spiritual food and forget the main course of the bible. So thank you for pointing that out .
Walking closely with the Lord through His word and spending this precious time with Him, strengthens and guides me. Thank you for your devotional reminding me of Peter’s struggles and mine.
Today, reading God’s word and living in the Spirit are the messages that I’m being given today. Thank you for helping me to dig deeper in my relationship with our Lord.
Why is it so hard to commit to a daily walk with Him? We find time in our busy schedules for so many other things, but often don’t make time for devotions. Thank you for the poignant reminder.
Agreed…we can find a million of excuses but we just need to start our day with him that gave us life.
Dear Lord, help me to follow through with my intentions of immersing myself in Your Word and then walking close with You day-by-day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
A simple heartfelt prayer. That is where my heart is today as I prepare to start my first online devotional in April.
Yes, that simple heartfelt prayer is what I needed to be reminded how easy it is to follow him because all he wants is our hearts and to help us.
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. (KJV) Once again, these were the right words at the right time. The Holy Spirit is so good at that, isn’t He? Thank you for being His instrument….
I too struggle SO much with following at a distance. As a wife & stay at home mama I struggle with the “right time”. Lying in the bed in the morning, snuggling with some sweet children or at night when sheer exhaustion has taken over. I know that it’s up to me to make that choice & strive to have that walk that brings me into a constant conversation with Jesus. On the days that I make that choice, the fellowship is oh so sweet!
My heart was convicted to read this devotional today. It was exactly what I needed to hear from someone else. I’ve been feeling the distance but I couldn’t pinpoint exactly where I was spiritually. I read here and there and help others in different ways but wasn’t feeling too close to Jesus. This was bam! in your face, this is where you are. I thank the Lord for Proverbs 31 ministries that have these devotionals that help women in many ways. I’ve shared with others the devotionals but lately haven’t read too many either. Here I am getting ready for work, finished cooking breakfast for my husband and came to the computer to check for a specific message. I’m so glad the Lord had me read this to speak to me directly and let me know exactly where I am spiritually. I will get my bible and start again with Jesus’ story, write down my blessings, and thank the Lord for not giving up on me. I pray that he helps me through my intentions of not following at a distance but to walk right besides him. I have a circle of friends that will help me through as well. Thank you Karen for your devotional today.
Have a great day ladies…looks like most are from the east coast from the times stamps on the blogs. It’s 10 mins til 6:00 am in Cali.
I couldn’t answer the question about the last time I followed closely with God, I’m a very reserved person and am uncomfortable putting myself out there. These past two weeks have been a commitment for me to spend daily time with God and that is what will keep me close to him. The more I learn, the more comfortable I will be speaking out for Him.
great topic ……..and yes, I struggle at a distance too but love your devotions and Bible study to bring me back in …….
Wow — some days I just don’t take the time to click the link when I get the P31 email but so glad I did today. This story of Peter but the one later when Jesus restores Peter back to him and the life he led afterwards encourages me so. I grew up the way you described — knowing Jesus but only from a distance — as the years have passed and I’ve realized my total dependence on Jesus’ love that has made me intentional about reading His word. I still need help with memorizing and knowing where to locate things but reading every morning and the revelations He gives is just so life-giving to me.
Thank you.
As I read your blog today, it took me back to when I was a young Christian in the 90′s. My closeness with Jesus is determined by me. The only one who pulls away, is me. His love for us is constant, infinite and unconditional. Anytime I find myself lagging behind in my relationship with God, I try to remember how I’ve felt when my own children have pushed me away or created a distance between us, in doing so, it makes me eager to run and catch back up,with my Savior!
Peer pressure is especially stronger with teenagers but is also present with adults. So many times our society desires to please man and not God. We need tovdiscipline ourself and to be conscience about it every day.
Wow, a post I saw needed today! I get nervous sometimes to talk about Christ in different settings because I think what is that person going to think. =) I have decided today not to be ashamed of God and to let people know I am studying the Bible and letting the Lord change me into the Christian Wife, Mother, Friend, and passerbyer HE wants me to be.
I just read this section of scripture and was focused on how peter failed even though he tried so hard not to deny Christ. This is the other half of the story. We have to stay close to Christ, we can’t do it on our own. Thanks for the insight!
I lost my best friend right after being saved because I told her about Jesus, and it made me very hesitant to speak to others when I didn’t know their story after that. I love your advice about reading our Bibles daily – that’s SO important! An issue that has come up in our small group lately.
I am sure that i need to dive into the bible to find the strength to live my faith always and not to let life and so called friends make me doubt my faith and gods love. with some i can walk with my faith hand in hand and with other i try to talk about it but their looks make me fall back and question what i know. i don’t question God but i do question if i am good enough to talk and live Gods word.
The Lord is often on my mind, but I need more “dedicated” time in His word and prayer for sure. I pray the Lord helps me be bold & unashamed for Him.
Yes! After my second baby was born I was exhausted and couldn’t seem to find the time to follow God intimately…my mood suffered, my joy was gone, etc… Making time for God makes my whole life flow more smoothly and provides me with the joy and peace I seek.
After being redeemed, set free, and saved from a life of ritualistic abuse as a child and young teen, there is no other place that I can be than following directly in His footsteps. I desire my life to be so close to Him that when He lifts His foot up, mine goes right into It’s footprint……desiring to walk at such a distance that I can touch the Hem of His Royal robes……
If I can keep my eyes on Jesus and not circumstances and people, then I know I am in His will. However, when my eyes wander, my prayer is that the Holy Spirit will immediately remind me that I am looking away from my Savior and Lord!
Thank you so much for this insight and post regarding the distance we follow Christ. Recognizing that He is the Sustainer of my very next breath keeps me living with Him as my One and Only! What a great Word of His Truth today! Thank you Karen!
You devotion this morning was JUST what I needed to hear. I’ve been getting further from God and close to worldly things and I am glad for the wake-up call you gave me!! I have been having a hard time sleeping, got up this morning at 0430 and tossed and turned for a while with a personal relationship on my mind… When I grabbed my phone to read my emails and yours was the first thing I read. Just what I needed to see! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
I find myself slipping into that depending on who I am spending time with. We have to be so careful to not be led away from our teachings. That is where the Bible comes in! I so needed this reminder! Thank you! To live in this world, but not be of this world. It is definitely a walk I cannot do alone. And it helps to surround myself with like-minded people.
I’ve spent the majority of my life keeping God at a distance, relying on myself and trying to control everything around me. When my beloved brother went through a year of suffering before his death, his faith never waivered. He loved God and followed him openly. His example gave me the desire to personally know God. I’m involved in Bible study now and learning how to put God in my life first. I’m still uncomfortable in some situations. I’m praying on this, that God will give me the right words to say and not worry about what others think. Thank you for this devotion today..
I just recently took on a new music therapy contract, but it was months in the making. It took so much faith to not want to just give up. There were times I really doubted if I was even cut out for this particular type of work (in a psychiatric hospital), but I keep saying “If this is your will, Lord, I know you will make it come to fruition.” I start later this week, and I am still in need of great encouragement. I look to The Lord!
Every time I hear Peter’s story, I root for a different ending! Poor Peter…who of us has NOT been there? “TODAY I am going to walk the walk….I’m going to prioritize properly…I’m going to make sure to allow time for prayer…I’m going to make sure to allow time to read my bible…I’m going to spend time in stillness…Just as soon as I finish vacuuming…or right after i get home from work….or….
Peter had all good intentions, but when push came to shove, he didn’t act on them. I can only imagine how crushed he was.
Thank you for your devotional today…life often gets in the way; however I’m learning the importance of putting this first to help live life the way we are intended too!!
Thank you for today’s devotion. I needed to hear it. My life has gotten so far off track that I didn’t even know how lost I was. My marriage is a disaster and the pain I have gone through has allowed me to refocus on Jesus. I am making time for him again.
Thanks for the reminder about the importance of CLOSELY following Christ. It’s so easy to let the cares of life crowd in and take my focus off Him. Even good things can be a huge distraction if I don’t make time with God first.If I listen, I can hear Him calling to me, pleading for time with me. How amazing is it that God values me so much that He longs to spend time with me! How can I let Him–and myself–down?
quilty. thank you for the reminder that we are blessed to be considered daughters of Christ!
I have been Peter more times than I care to admit in my life, but Proverbs 31 ministries is making a big difference in my life. I can give forth the encourgement to others each day. So what you do does make a difference in more peoples lives than you even know.
Thank you, Prov.31 ladies, for all your dedication and commitment. I start each day with my Prov.31 devotional and then do at least 2 hours of study in the Bible. Obviously, my mornings are my most favourite time of the day! Through God’s Holy Spirit, I know that Christ is in me and I in Him. We do have a close relationship. However, I find it difficult to go that extra step, as mentioned today in Karen’s devotional. How does a woman talk to others about Jesus? The majority of my friends and family are not in the church, and I try hard to be a light to them – but most do not have “ears to hear”. How do we open up and talk about Jesus to these people when their minds are so closed to the Truth?????? I’d sure love to get some tips! Thanks!
I could not move on with my morning without posting something here. I have absolutely been following Jesus at a distance for a while now. I have always struggled with trusting God, and He keeps testing me in that, and I have just been feeling like a failure when it comes to my walk with Him. My solution to anything uncomfortable has always been to give the problem some space. It pains me to think that I have extended the stand-offishness to Jesus as a way of protecting myself. I often forget that unlike people that waft in and out of my life like smoke, Jesus doesn’t have an attitude with me if I forget to hang out with him. I just need to re-devote myself to getting closer to Him.
Thank you so much…I really do enjoy your posts!
Peter’s story is one we can relate to in our own life. Even after receiving Christ has my personal Savior, there as been times when I have walked more in the distance, but God has never left me and kept encouraging me to come closer. so my life has had a pattern drift a way a little then come back strong, all depending on my life circumstances. Growing in my faith all the time. When through a period of some strong trails and God was faithfully there, I believe I was a strong witness to what God can do. Today I am thankful, I have the time to read the Holy Word, pray and study His Word and learning what it means to be God’s hands and feet. God is Faithful he will keep drawing us close to Him as long as we have a desire to connect with Him.
What role does God’s Word play…wow, it is like the letters my beloved wrote to me..they sustain and assure me of His love and of all that we have together in our relationship as we commune with one another- I long for more of Him..He is there- ready, willing and waiting!! Thanks for the great giveaway..God’s richest blessings on all of you gals!
Thank you for your boldness. I am guilty too of following at a distance, when it’s convienient for me to be a follower of Christ. Just recently, I fully devoted my heart to daily getting in God’s word and opening up my Bible at my desk at work during down times. I feel God’s presence so much more in my life. Not because He went anywhere, but because I didn’t make time. I’m changing that now…
Have a blessed day!
Thank you so much for this wonderful reminder. In my heart I truly want to become Christ’s bondservant and I know to do that I first have to draw closer to Him. I am a Small Group leader, yet there are times when I feel I am “following at a distance”. My prayer today is for everyone reading your blog that God will give the gift of more time spent with Him and through that a closer relationship with our amazing Lord and Savior.
The devotional sounds awesome!
Thank you for this reminder to follow close to Jesus. Do I follow at a distance? I definitely don ‘t want to. I think that I need to give Him more of my attention all throughout the day not just in my morning devotions. Thanks for the reminder to stay close to Him all day. I want my family to see how important it is to be close to Jesus too.
When I spend time in the morning with my bible and God I find I am walking closer with God. But when I let things, schedules, life get in the way I find I am further away. Trying to figure out what I am missing and what is wrong. Once I get out of the habit I find it hard to get back. It is something I have to intentionally start again and again until it becomes a habit. So after today’s prayer time I am setting my alarm to get up early and begin the day in the Lord’s word.
I chose “follow” as my One Word for 2013. The Lord has time and again, in one way or another, reminded me that it’s by reading my Bible that I’ll learn to truly follow Him.
Thank you for your post today over at Proverbs 31. Again, He is reminding me to focus on His word as I follow.
In the past I have definitely kept Jesus at a distance around certain friends who aren’t as accepting of the Christian lifestyle. In the past few months I went through a devastating transition when my husband left me for another woman. I had two choices – turn to God or away from God. I am so happy to say that I closed any distance between us immediately and it didn’t matter who was around me, when they commented on my strength and grace I let them know exactly WHO it came from. I always wondered if in the midst of a tragedy if I would be able to live out His word and I am so glad I am able to. God has been my strength, my rock and my salvation. I am so blessed that I did not turn out to be a “Peter.”
I feel a lot like Peter sometimes. I think I’m afraid to get to know God because I’m scared of what might be required of me. I know I do not walk with him like I should and I’m not in the word like I should be. I just seem to have a mental block on making time for that. I really want to try to do better.
I loved todays devotion… I guess I would never categorize myself as following at a distance until you talked about being in the Scripture… my Bible study often gets put on the back burner and some days doesn’t even happen… so is my busyness causing me to follow at a distance? I guess so! being at hearts at home this weekend has really kicked me back into gear… prayers that I keep it up and get in the Word everyday!
This morning, walking in from up our wood stove,I was praying about this very thing, even before I read the daily encouragement email. I am going through a really tough time right now and have been hanging by a thread of constant prayer more days than not, but realize that getting back into the word with more discipline would definitely help. God is so patient with us in our broken times… I am thankful for sweet reminders that God is sometimes only as far away as a whisper.
Thank you for the giveaway. I pray whoever wins is blessed by such a neat tool for devotion!
Being an extreme analytical thinker, it is easy for me to ‘believe’ verses have ‘faith’. As I study more and more, I have found there is a huge difference. Diving into the word has helped break that seeing is believing frame of mind and has truly aloud me to exercise my faith instead of running on belief itself. I am growing with my faith in His word and this blog is a nice little treat to grow more and more. Thanks!
Wow, a bit of a rebuke and a gentle reminder in today’s devotion. I have definitely been guilty of following at a distance. Thanks for the not-so-subtle nudge and the encouragement to stay strong and keep connected.
Great devotion! I’d love to be a winner! Pick me please!
Unfortunately, I think it’s easier for most of us to follow Jesus at a distance. Though I walk close by him in church, bible study and other ministry activities, I find myself hesitant when not surrounded by my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I WANT to be bold in my faith, but sometimes it’s hard!
We find His truths in the bible, that’s why it’s so important to continue to read His word. It is also ever changing and alive.
Would love to win this book!
Oh, but for the Grace of God, we are all Peter at times. I can remember when, especially with immediate family, I have been Peter. Not saying what I should when circumstances arise. Trying to keep the peace with family, but walking away with no peace because God wanted me to speak up…
Lord help us all be what you want us to be, not just talking the talk, but walking the walk.
I recently heard God whisper to my struggle with being in His word. I am a list person and I had a reading plan with boxes to check off and if i missed a day I felt guilty and tht I had let God down. Pretty soon my bible wasn’t open very much because I felt I had to read a certain number of chapters, verses etc. One day as I was thinking on this and nearly in tears because I missed God he spoke to my heart. He gently let me know that it wasn’t about how much but the quality. It could be one verse, or it might be more. I felt free. I now have chosen one book to focus on and I might read a chapter or one verse. Sometimes my devotions lead me to another verse. But now I find myself talking to God about what I am reading and getting very personal with God and it is wonderful. My relationship with Him is flourishing all because I have been able to fina a way to be in God’s word in a way that helps me grow rather than feel guilty because I am not reading enough.
Sorry I got bit carried away…this has truly been an awakening for me.
I was for a while…but to “walk worthy” I have to know how to walk, how to live my life.. The only way to do that is to read the bible and have His word in my heart. That means actively following as close as I can get….
Today’s devotion stuck right in that dark little place in my heart that struggles to be in the world but not of it. I’m praying for a deeper desire to seek Jesus first, to long for his adoring gaze and no one else’s. And most of all, for the dedication to be daily in my Word Digging.
This was a convicting, but very personal encouragement for me to remember to NOT keep my distance. Thank you Karen!
Thanks for the devotional today..I want to walk more closely with my Lord and I sometimes get into a rut doing my same things every day. I want to get into his word more.
OH MY WORD! I Struggle with this all the time! uggghhhhh I dont understand why I have issues with committing or sticking with things, whether its diet and exercise or more importantly my time with the Lord. And I’m a youth pastors wife!! AHHH I feel like such a looser and disappointment to my husband and our ministry with the teens and just others around me. thank you for this convicting message today
This following Jesus at a distance over the years, has been a real downfall for me.
But, the harder my trials He has allowed me to go through, the more I had a heart and
desire to want to stay in His word. Satan has a way of letting others intimidate our
life at times. The more we come to know God and His ways and purposes for our
lives, as well as knowing who our enemy is that is trying to ruin our wittness, the
stronger we become and understand that we truly are an a dopted daughter of a
King, and want to live more and more for Him and the intimidation that was once there seems to disappear.
I actually have a very difficult time being the Christian I am supposed to be around family who are Christians in name only–they don’t attend church regularly, they don’t want to talk about Jesus at all, and their supposed faith doesn’t impact their daily lives. I, sadly, have family members and some friends who live their lives this way.
It is, frankly, easier to be who I am meant to be around people who make no claim to be Christian–honesty all the way around just breeds a less awkward environment.
Karen–I want to thank you for how much God spoke to me through your book Let. It. Go. I really needed to hear the parts about coping with people and situations I cannot change at all. God is God, and I am not. Speaking truth to myself is about the only way I can manage these kinds of issues.
Thank you for blessing people through your blog and books!
Carissa from eastern Iowa
Thanks so much for your words this morning. My biggest problem seems to be slowing down long enough to really let God’s word sink in. I read my Bible and devotions every day, but oftentimes it’s just checking things off my to-do list. I cannot really be walking with Jesus if I’m moving at a break-neck speed. Thank you for the reminder that we are not be lag behind (or run ahead)!
I, at one time walked away from God, but when I decided to rededicate my life to Christ, I learned that He never leaves us, not ever. I read my devotionals with a sister in Christ, who had had a stroke. She was having trouble reading her bible and so I decided that we could do our devotionals over the phone every morning before I had to leave for work. What I thought was something that I could do to help her, turned out to be a help for me. It drew me closer to God, and made me accountable to someone. I thank God for His word, His Grace and Mercy. I no longer feel far from God.
Oh yes. I struggle with moving too far ahead before PAUSING to listen for God’s “go” or “stop.” This is borne of the [ridiculous] idea that I can handle it on my own, and – deep down – thinking that I know what’s best.
The bible is hard to read sometimes. There are times I don’t understand it. I have been trying to read through it and learn but it is hard. I would love to have this bible and see if it helps.
WOW! This is something that I need to hear everyday. God has been nudging me to open his word and I have not been faithful to his calling. THanks for the wake up call!
Thank you for today’s words. My devotion is like a roller coaster. I have my ups and downs. I get busy or lazy and don’t always start the day with a reading.(down slide) I pray and talk to Jesus all day. He is my rock and strength. I need to put into action each day a quite time to reflect, grow and read his words.
Listening to God speak through his word is what I need to be doing and each day I begin anew. With so much clamoring at us during our daily lives to be able to stop, read and listen is so important. I continue to cry out to God to speak to me and help me hear his voice.
I have struggled recently with staying in the Word. I read scripture every day, but I don’t feel like I always internalize it. I long to walk with Jesus so closely that His thoughts are my thoughts. The only way I will be able to do that is to purposely carve out time in my day to sit at the feet of Jesus. I have felt closest to the Lord when I journal, so I need to get back into the habit!
Thank you so much for sharing this, Karen. It is a good message, and good reminder, for us all.
I’ve tried to immerse myself in the Word but sometimes feel as if it goes in one ear and out the other. I’ve been successful at memorizing a few verses and really want to do more. I’m not sure if it’s some health problems I have that have affected my memory that are hindering me or just plan old getting old.
With the Lord’s help I’m sure I’ll over come this stumbling block if I just put my mind to it.
To be perfectly honest I have been following at a distance here lately. But something happened in my life that really made ne not want to do that anymore. I am doing a couple of different bible/book studies right now and have started reading my bible everyday (or tryng too anyways). I do not want to follow at a distance anymore!
Ah, a closer walk with THEE!
Hello, I am 60 years old, and know God personally.HE has brought me thru life with many blessings and some trails as well…As I am alone now, lost my parents and step parents, my husband and all of my family except 2 brothers who are amazing as they preach Gods word and two daughters that are my l best… they are awesome mommies in todays world, and strive to do their best to help me daily… I am so blessed…But I am facing many facts about my life…and I see where I have not given GOD the Praise HE deserves… yes I keep him in the back seat so to speak I want to put God in the drivers seat… All of you women at
proverbs 31 are my strength to go forward… your words daily and in bible study give me hope I thank God for providing you to me so easily..
thank you
Sonja
Thanks for your message and encouragement today. I really needed to hear this.
I have a devotional time each morning, but I feel like I’m always rushing through it. Your book sounds like it would be an excellent way to really delve into God’s word …not just on the surface. As always,, I appreciate all you do to keep us gals’ spiritual lives on tract. Thank you and your team!!
I think I need to get a devotion that is part of a Bible. When I have them separate I tend to just read the devotion and not be in the Bible. I need to be sure I’m in the Word listening to God and not just reading what others say about the Bible or their insights into a passage without ever looking at it myself.
It is sometimes so much easier to follow at a distance–at your workplace, at the local high school, even with some family members who just aren’t interested. Plugging into the Bible is the only way not to cave in–or to pull yourself back up beside our Savior. Looking forward to the study.
What a good, necessary subject for today’s devotion! I am determined to get more Bible study into my daily life and routine. Your site helps so much in this regard.
Thank u for the reminder. So often the busy bustle of life distracts me
From my top priority, which creates a distance.
As much as I hate to admit it, I feel like I have been following at arm’s length. It scares me sometimes to think of the risk, unknown that may be involved if I follow so closely with my whole heart. That being said, when things go wrong, as they often do, He is the first place I turn. he is my hope and strength. I just crave a more intimate relationship on a daily basis. I am trying to really dig into His word- really read, learn and study it- to help keep me closely tied to His truth.
i am one of those who follows behind….I was introduced to Prov.31 late last year and since following all of you wonderful women
daily since, I have seen and still very much seeing a big change in myself. But, for some reason (???) I just have NOT been
reading the Bible on a regular basis. BUT…because of your words today…an article I read yest. and a “feeling”
I know that God is calling me to read his word on a daily basis. I just don’t know where/how to begin.
Thank you for your inspiration and guidance!!.
For over 50 years I have felt that God/Jesus is with me and by my side continuously. So I would say that it is more of a friendship than someone I don’t know. We talk daily like friends do, or I Talk to him every morning then listen for him the rest of my day.
Great post and I fit the bill when it comes to following at the “arm’s length” that Jen S shares….I can look at Christ square in the eyes and know He is the ONE who provides, comforts, listens, answers….and on and on….but, to claim Him in the midst of a crowd of those with body language and facial expressions, I coil back and don’t proclaim and share as boldly. I notice even when we meet in a public setting for Bible study, if one of the women is talking so boldly about a Scripture and her voice is louder than our table, I tend to become more silent in sharing so others won’t be somehow offended by discussing the Bible in public. Your post was a reminder to boldly read and learn and grow more in God’s Word and focus on Him. Thank you.
What a great reminder – best intentions often go by the wayside – but being immersed in God’s word is one that shouldn’t – it is as essential to our well being as eating – sleeping – thanks for the post!!!
It is so easy to cower to those who are skeptical of your faith. I try more and more to be who I am, but sometimes other’s opinions get the best of me and I find myself following from afar in situations. I am getting better, but have a long way to go. Thanks for sharing this devotion today!
Ugh, I am guilty of this. I try, I do… but do I? In this day and age of social media (both a blessing and a curse in my opinion), I find I will often hold back speaking His truth, or not even saying/reaching out when my heart knows I should… all because I’m “worried” what someone might think.
Thank you for this powerful reminder that we are called to be God’s witness, and to always, ALWAYS walk BY his side.
Wow!..I feel the pressure on my toes as they have definitely been stepped on. It is so easy to only discuss God with certain folks. Not wanting to be the odd ball or outsider. Thanks for the encouragement to study and show all the world we Christians are proud to be part of God’s people.
So guilty of this…On my husband’s side of the family you really get ridiculed for be a Christian and I find myself not saying a whole lot about it. But lately I have prayed for a boldness so I can be strong enough to start saying something and not being afraid too.
Thank you so much for today’s encouragement.
Thank you for today post. I find myself trying so hard to spend quality with God and in his word. I try to start my mornings with devotions and it works for a while then I find myself feeling like I don’t have enough time to balance everything. Need help and prayer
Walking at a distance. It’s so easy to let life push you further and further backward. Being in the Word and allowing it to get into you is indeed the key in receiving the strength to persevere…..and catch up.
I am real good about staying close to Jesus when I am involved in a Bible study. But, when it comes to an end, I tend to follow at a distance. Thank you for the reminder to always walk with Him.
Just when you think that you’re walking closely with God, something happens and causes you to fall behind…… I never compared myself to Peter before, but it makes absolute sense! Thank you for causing me to do a little soul searching!!
Very good devotional today! I gain Jesus’ perspective when I am in the Bible regularly. That makes me a better woman and closer to Him too!
Karen,
I appreciate your thoughts today very much. I think I will be chewing on them for awhile. Thank you for this challenge and life story from Peter. I’ve been guilty too of following at a distance. But, I desire to be so very close to Him.
Blessings to you, Hester Christensen
This subject of following at a distance has come up twice this week to me. I too am guilty of following at a distance. I have been a follower of Jesus for a long time but not beside Him but a ways behind. It’s like knowing that I should be closer but not doing it. Although there are times when I am walking more closely than others. I need to work on this.
I enjoy doing & leading Bible study, but still find myself not spending time daily in the Word. For me it’s a process, creating and adding routines that stick. But with an ever changing schedule, routines are often disrupted! I enjoy reading Proverbs and often take notes on things I read. I find the writing helps me to move the words from the page into my heart & life. But one reading doesn’t do it! I really need to read His word every day.
I have been struggling with this topic for the last week. How do I improve my devotional time so that it will draw me closer to God and let others see what God can do for you and me? I don’t want to follow I want to be in his pocket.
I think that at one time or another we have all followed at a distance, I thank God for His Word and His people and the power of prayer; it is through these that when I have followed at a distance I am reeled back in to a closer walk with my Lord!
Guilty of not spending enough time with Jesus and putting HIM first. It seems like on most days I talk to HIm at the end of my day and just for a few minutes because I am exhausted but I am sure he will give me the strength I need if I put HIM first like I should.
Thank you for the wonderful devotional this morning ~ I too struggle with following Jesus from a distance ~ my prayer is that I be “present” in my walk with Him and that through gaining knowledge through His word, I gain boldness to share Him with others. Lord BLESS you and your amazing ministry!
This hits me hard. I don’t have time in the evenings but I need to rearrange time before my DD arrives home for some quiet time. Thank you for your timely message and this opportunity
Throughout my childhood and even through college I was a very faithful Christian. I went to parochial schools and had a very strong faith. Christ was very evident in my life on a daily basis. I’m not sure what happened, but shortly after getting married my faith started to wane and He was placed on the back-burner. I made some bad choices and have now found my way back into the Word. I am hoping to get myself back to that spiritual place I was at before. I am making time for Bible study again and letting Him lead my life again. I couldn’t be happier!
Wow. How easy it is to follow from the distance and not even realize it. I want to be walking right beside Jesus but sometimes it takes something like to to make me realize that I’ve fallen behind and need to catch up. Thanks so much for that reminder! By the way, saw Karen at Heart at Home this weekend, great workshop on dealing with inlaws and outlaws!
Love this post. I have let things, doings get in the way of my walk with Jesus. My life is busy, to say the least, but there are so many times when I hit myself after something happens and wonder why I didn’t pray or talk to Jesus about it. It is easier to just do it myself. I consider myslef a newer Christian. I committed myself to Christ 13 years ago. I am 45 years old so I tend to go back to my familiar old ways. Would love to win this bible. It sounds really great.
I keep striving to make daily Bible reading a habit but I tend to do well for a few weeks and then inevitably fall behind again. I have to remember, as others have mentioned in the comments, that quality time with God is what is important. So even on those crazy days, if I can even get 15 minutes of reading His Word and praying, it is far better than nothing.
My walk always needs improving!
Since Bible is the main way God speaks to us, hard to get to know Him if don’t spend time in His Word. Instead of trying to read a certain amount of Scripture a day have started reading smaller portions & really thinking about them. Trust is a big issue for me, so regulary reminding myself of what God says in general, about Himself, & about me helps focus more on God.
I’m so THANKFUL God led me to this devotion today! Thank you for sharing your heart!
I find myself following at a distance all too often, especially when I feel like things are going well and I seem to be in control…I need to learn to turn to God daily through His Word and prayer. Thank you for the devotional today.
Thanks so much for your devotion today and I didn’t know about this Bible! Can’t wait to check it out! God Bless!
Thank you for this message today. I long to feel that friendship and closeness to Jesus.
I liked your devotional today it made me stop and think.
Thank you so much for your devotion. I find myself always following at a distance. I need to be more with him than walking behind him. I loved it!!!!! God has brought me through so much. I just tend to forget it alot. This devotion reminded me of it. Sometimes it is hard for me to grasp that someone that I did not even know died such a cruel harsh death to save someone like me. Just saying!!!!! I do go to church, and study my bible, but I do know someone that will be doing a lot of soul searching.
I find there are times in my life that I am further from Jesus than I think and want to be. I find when things are at their worst is when I have that come to Jesus moment and realize that I have wandered far from Him. That’s when I get myself back on track and back into His word. I just got back from Hearts at Home and it is always so validating and rejuvenating as a Mom Thank you for today’s message.
Get in the word! Pray for me that as I am in the word I can hear Jesus calling me to do his will. Thanks for your encouragement!
I can very much relate! I follow..yet from a distance. I’m hoping to work on this by spending more time in prayer and reading the bible more.
We have been doing Kyle Idleman’s “not a fan.” study at our church for the last month and it has been deeply convicting for me. This last week focused on how when we a following Christ we become givers of His love. We no longer go to the homeless shelter because we are commanded to help orphans and widows. We do it because we love them. Much like following at a distance, Kyle Idleman’s “fan” is a person who loves Christ and all He stands for, but is not willing to make the sacrifices and do the hard things that make us followers. It’s easy to be a fan, but to be a true follower takes commitment. I so often fall short and want to follow at a distance thinking maybe that will be easier, but in reality it is harder.
I feel like I am going through a challenging time in my spiritual walk. On one hand I feel like God is calling me deeper in so many areas, but it feels like walking against a stiff wind to do it, so it has left me feeling adrift but knowing exactly who my God is!
I think regular time in the Word gives you a higher plumb line for living your life. The Bible acts as a guide when you spend time reading it. There were times in my life that I didn’t walk as closely like Peter. But once I made spending daily time in God’s Word a priority and a habit, I was strengthened in my ability to walk closer to its Author. But it’s not a quick fix. It’s a daily walk.
Thank you very much for you post today. I’ve recently rededicated my life to Jesus and working on dicipling others. And yes sometimes it’s easier to back away instead of being proud to follow Jesus regardless of what others may think or say.
Thank you so much for your words today-I have been struggling with my commitment to my daily devotions these last couple of weeks, and these were just the words I need to hear to get back on track! I was just sitting down getting ready to get into the word and remembered seeing this quote somewhere in my facebook feed: “To walk closely with Jesus we have to walk ourselves daily through God’s Word.” I quickly found it and linked up with the Proverbs31 Devotion page-thank you for your encouragement and challenge. There’s a lot of stressors pulling at all of us each and every day, but being in God’s Word daily can make all the difference.
I pray for the Lord to cling to me and hold me close. It is my nature to drift, I’ve done so before, and I don’t want to ever do it again.
For many years I have had an on again off again relationship with Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit. I still continue to have times where I am on Fire for Christ and then it seems I allow myself to grow complacent and begin to follow at a distance. I am a widow now, having been married to a man who claimed to be agnostic. So, for the last ten years or so, I have been following at a distance. But Praise God, I am back and closer than ever, and I pray that as I am working on reading the Bible in a Year’s time and following these great devotionals that I will not allow myself to walk away from Him again. God never left my side, I was the one who drifted away. This is from Max Lucado’s devotional yesterday, but it rather applies to what I’m trying to say here. He was describing “nevertheless” moments, which I believe we all have. This one applies to me. “Didn’t read the Bible until retirement age, nevertheless, he came to a deep and abiding faith. That is my prayer. May God Bless You all and this ministry…Love Kim
I’ve just recently realized my walk with Jesus has not been what it should. As a wife and mom, my life was full of lots of things and lots of things to do but it became increasingly apparent to me that one thing was missing and that was God at the center of my life. I have dug myself in to strengthen my relationship and encouraging my family to do the same. Spending more time in the Bible, church, and in prayer and renewing my habits to include these most important things. It has been easy to figure out that on those days I don’t spend time with God, there is a snowball like effect as stress, worry, frustration, and weariness grow. I feel Him pulling me back and things are so much easier to deal with when my priorities are right. Always learning and loving my Heavenly Father and so thankful for His love and sacrifice.
I find this topic intriguing. When I ponder the question “am I ever tempted to follow Jesus from a distance?”, I immediately want to give the quick answer of “at times” without any real thought as to what is behind the question. When I think of following from a distance, I think that happens out of sin. For example, someone is married, but having an affair. That person might not stop going to church or reading the bible (at least not at first), but starts to slowly “go through the motions”. I think sin is why we follow from a distance (and remember sin is sin so it doesn’t matter what “type” of sin or “scale of severity”). It is almost as if we try to hide from God or pretend that we’re on hiatus from having to live (as best we can) like Jesus. The false assumption that if we follow Christ closely, then we are absent of sin (or delude ourselves into thinking that “my sin isn’t as bad as that person’s sin”). It’s almost like some of us want the best of both worlds – the saving grace of Jesus – but the ability to be selfish and fulfill our own desires and what we want (and not what God wants for us).
There have absolutely been times in my life were I have followed Jesus from afar. I am so much happier and able to deal with the stresses of life when I walk at his side. I hope I never allow distance between us again.
definitely I have been guilty of following Jesus from afar. It seems that when life is going along okay, I can see the distance, however when times are tough, I seek him more.
I just spent a weekend on a carnival cruise with my family. I didn’t read my bible once while on there. I found myself so disconnected once I got home because of it. Plus the environment on the ship was disturbing to watch and left me feeling like God must have a broken heart watching us humans. I got home yesterday and started listening to my bible is app and reading my Jesus calling and just doing my regular bible reading. I had so much more peace and sanity after doing that. Reading how God has worked miracles and has made promises to me just centers me.
My husband once stated that if he had to describe me it would be sitting in bed reading the Bible. I have always been tickled at that description. God has given me an incredible love for the Word of God and I am always thrilled to be thumbing my way through it, feeling that Christ is right beside me. There are so many times that I am awed by what I find; there is always something that makes me feel the hand of God is on my life. I am returning to a closer relationship with God after a dryer period where I sought to answer life’s problems myself. I found, as always, when I venture off into the world only prepared with my answers, that I lose my way. Luckily, God is always waiting and ready to give me direction.
Sometimes I find myself lagging behind a little-I think it comes from the feeling that I fall so short of what HE would have me be. That gives me all the reason to run and catch up so I can at least touch the hem of HIS garment. There is so much I need to learn, no Praise will ever be enough and there is only one who can guide me on that path. My sweet, swwet Savior, Jesus Christ. Such a wonderful reminder to keep my eyes on HIM and not the road I am trudging today.
God Bless!!
It was a pleasure hearing you speak this weekend at Hearts at Home! I was lucky enough to sit in on your Let.It.Go workshop and look forward to starting the book soon.
I find myself struggling with this. Hesitating to post things on social media regarding my faith because I wonder how my non-Christian friends will react. The more I read and surround myself with scripture, the less hesitant I become.
I find myself struggling with having morning time with my Lord. Thank you for your post. I would soooo love a new bible. Lost of posts on here, so chances are slim my name will be drawn. I am praying that I will be more focused on Him in the morning time before starting my daily work. Thank you for your thoughts on this. Blessings.
Hi Karen! Today’s devotional will be shared with my 13 year old daughter. I think it is a great reminder for her to stay in The Word every day, even if it is just a little reading. Sometimes it is hard for youth with busy scheduals, sports, homework etc. to stay focused on Jesus. He is our one true love! Only He provides! He is our strength!
This blog in ways reminded me of my son Aaron. Although we raised him in church and encouraged him to read his bible, all he seemed to care about was the social aspects of church. As parents we wondered what had we done wrong. However, in the last few months he really started attending church and reading his bible and praying. He had even started posting bible verses and excerpts from sermons on his Facebook page. We were so excited. We had so much hope for him; but that hope was suddenly cut short when he decided to take his own life. Just because our hope was cut short, it doesn’t mean we are hopeless. We still have hope in the ONE who loves us the most. The ONE who holds us tightly. The ONE comforts us. We just gave to press into HIM.
It is hard sometimes to follow when you don’t see face to face, but it is being in the Word, praying, and having faith that makes it real.
If I am not in the Word every day, I struggle. Really struggle. When I start my day off reading HIs Word, I may not have a good day, but my attitude towards that day is better, and I can handle curve balls much easier.
I am in the Word every day and it’s helping me in my relationship with Jesus and others. Thank you for your post today. It was encouraging to me. I often ask myself the question am I with Him or lagging behind in what He’s asking me to do—follow!
Wow! I’m amazed at how God speaks to me in “themes”. Our family started doing a daily devotional in the evenings when we are eating dinner a couple of months ago. And between the devotional and my own personal devotional AND yours this morning God has bombarded me within the past 3 days with reminders needing to stay close to him and how we do that. I tend to get so busy with life as a teacher and mother that I forget to keep in constant communication with Him, either through prayer or meditating on His word throughout the day. In fact, last night we were discussing Deuteronomy 6 which talks about teaching God’s commandments to your children and talking about them from sun up to sun down so that we don’t forget them and can live accordingly. We were telling our daughter that doing these things aren’t just commandments to keep us from doing right and wrong, but to help us keep close to God and keep us from feeling that “void” that we feel when we don’t. Sin and lack of time with God can create that void. Both my husband’s and my parents were strong believers, however they didn’t converse with us on a regular basis like we are doing with her. I really feel that if we had that constant reminder and assurance through conversation growing up we would have had WAY less time “following Christ from a distance”.
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Anyway, I am so thankful for people like you and the other women at P31 who follow their calling and the Holy Spirit’s leading to help us from day to day so that we keep following our Shepherd closely. Thank you!
Very well said! Thank you for sharing about your family talks. I too am a teacher and all my children have left the nest. I wish I had spent more time talking with them about the word!
I have really been walking with God at a distance and I feel so guilty because I feel that I am disappointing God. Sometime I do question how those who walked with Jesus could walk at a distance, but I know it can happen. God has done many wonderful things for me in my life but sometimes I feel like I don’t appreciate it enough. I feel llike I am selfiah or that I deserve what He does for me but I know I am blessed to have His grace and mercy. Recently I have been distance with God because of a trial that I have been going through for years. It just seems like it is never going to end but I know God is with me but I am so hurt and wounded by what has happened. I know my biggest problem is learning to trust and in that I discovered that I am not trusting God and I am praying and asking God to show me how to trust Him and Him alone because He is the only one who can bring me through. I have asked God for forgiveness for all the things I have done to hurt and disappouint Him. I want to be totally sold out to God but I am not sure I even know how to do this. I have been saved for about 12 years and it seems like now I am further back than when I first got saved. I feel I should be so close and so much further in my walk than I am. I do look at Peter and wonder how he could deny Jesus but no one is above this, we think we know but God always has a way of showing us right where we are and most of the time we are not where we think we are in our walk with Christ. I do love the Lord and I want to surrender all to Him and I am trying to learn to do that. I am very thankful for your daily devotional because they do speak to me each day and they do lift my spirits. I just ask that you pray for my walk with the Lord and that He will heal me and my marriage.
So thankful for the daily devotions I receive in my email everyday. Thank you! And yes, I can definately grow in my walk with Jesus!
I feel as if lately I am walking at a distance and often running at a distance. I so want to be in his word daily and find life taking over to much and so much that He is being pushed farther and farther in the distance. I so want to grow my walk with Jesus…I pray for it daily. Thank you for your devotions…they sure help guide me along the right path.
Praying for your day to be on full of joy and happiness!
Smiles,
Robin
I walking at a distance that might be further than how Peter was following. I would love to win the Bible so that I can strengthen my walk and follow more closely with the Beautiful Savior.
This devotional really spoke to me and I cannot wait to share it with others. The new Bible sounds like an awesome way to grow closer to Jesus.
Guilty. I know I have been following from a distance and I know my need to control is a big part of this.
It’s sad but true that we are like Peter is several ways when we stop to think about our actions. Great devotion to help put things in focus as we prepare our hearts and mind for the true meaning of Easter.
“Crack it” – let’s do it. I so want everyone I come in touch with to see my desire to be near Jesus, to be like Him. I also have been wanting one of those Bibles since Melissa mentioned it in a conference call last year and now that March is here I am excited. So I’m hoping for a chance to win, but OH what will I do with all those notes in my old Women’s Bible I bought years ago. I hope to find out. It is beautiful and I know those devotions are going to be too. I can use this as I continue to LET.IT.GO as I start STRESSED-LESS LIVING. Debbie W.
I agree. When life gets busy, it’s so easy to follow at a distance like Peter. My schedule is getting so hectic, and this post made me realize that I need a Bible in my life to guide me through hardships, and to turn to the Bible for every decision. I would love to win this devotional Bible to help me steer through life faithfully and close behind Christ.
It’s so easy to follow at a distance and takes effort to build that relationship. I seem to wax and wane. I do well for several months then something comes up and I get “too busy” for my quiet time. Then excuses set in and then guilt until finally I realize I have to lean on Him more.
Thank you so much for this reminder today. I am guilty of following Jesus at a distance. I really want to immerse myself more in the word and walk closely with Jesus. The new devotional Bible looks wonderful!
Your devotion today has brought home to me that I most certainly have been hanging back in my pursuit of God. I have been dealing with an ongoing issue that has hurt my husband more than once, and I need to finally admit that I have failed to give it over to God and trust him to help me with it. Thank you and God bless you for your heart for women.
I have been doing the daily Bible devotional with Rachel it has been truly amazing. I have always followed never lead but I feel the Lord has other things planned for my family. We have been blessed and so favored….I can hardly wait to find out what is in store next…..plus I have found a great group of ladies. Thank you for putting yourself out there. I hope to one day be able to do the same thing.
Your message today brought me back to 20 years ago in early spring when I was faced with one of my life’s most desperate times…there was no one here on this Earth that could help me. I had been following Jesus at a great distance and felt so far away. I found an old Bible given to me by my mother and began to pray and to read…Each day I rose early to devour the Word…it became my sustenance and life. I read that Bible from cover to cover and can still feel the peace and hope I felt then…it was then I truly learned to pray. I still have that Bible but would love to replenish my spirit with a devotional Bible for women…refreshing my thirst for Scripture and the Lord speaking to me. Thanks for your daily devotionals!
Yes….I too struggle like Peter. I want so badly to be like Jesus, then I find myself in situations where I’m leaving my friends, husband. I’m tired of it. I’m going to pick up my cross daily and follow Jesus. I’m learning to listen to his voice. I felt his prescence in a hug form one night when my husband and I were talking about issues we were having! Jesus is amazing!!!
Thank you for this oppurtunity….I look forward to serving my Jesus!!!
In Him,
Melissa
I’m afraid I do this more than I’d like. I’m actually not that sure how to live differently, and I’d love to win.
I followed Jesus at a distance the vast majority of my life. It wasn’t until April of last year that I realized I never had a real relationship with The Lord. I was never really a child of God. I surrendered my life to him then and I haven’t looked back. I still slip and at times find my self backing away and walking farther from Him, especially in my speech, but I am closer to Him now than I have ever been. It’s a great feeling to be in the word and learning more about Him and his word. I want to help others on their journey too.
Thank you for this devotional. Like Peter we often do follow at a distance. And also, like Peter we think that our relationship with our Saviour is strong when we are really on the edge of betraying Him by placing other things first and denying Him first place in our lives.
Thank you so much for this encouraging devotional today! I have to admit that I have gone through some pretty distant stages in my walk with The Lord over the past 10+ years. I was on fire for The Lord & loved Him passionately when I was in high school & college but unfortunately I have often allowed the stresses & busyness of grown up life to take priority over walking closely with my First Love. As one who grew up in the church it has been all to easy to go through the motions…still truly loving The Lord but not walking as closely as He or I would like. I have also struggled with seeming to not be able to go deeper with The Lord even though I desperately wanted to have Him take me to the next level of intimacy with Him. Through all of my fears, failures, doubts, stresses, and busyness as a wife & mommy, I can hear The Lord beckoning me back to my First Love. And, as you have encouraged in this devotional, I know I need to start with immersing myself in His Word & in quiet alone time with Him. I’ve been allowing myself to make too many excuses but no longer! Thank you, Karen, this was exactly what I needed!
This was such an encouraging devotion. We often don’t realize that we can be following Jesus at a distance. Sometimes you don’t realize it, or even intend on allowing distance between you and the Lord. How does that happen, when He is someone you love so much! I will pay attention more closely to staying close to his heart! Not just that is known by me, but is recognized by those who see me. May my heart say, Your face will I seek! Thank you for the words of truth and encouragement! It stirs up the desire in me to follow hard after Him!!
It’s like my resolution, I was drawing closer daily and then life turns upside down and its hard to stay afloat. I know I hear God calling me back, I don’t want to follow from afar!
Ive been trying to follow jesus closely. Seems so easy in the m orning during my quiet time, then life steps in and I forget the closeness I had just felt. I leave sticky notes or index cards around the house as reminders
I guess I have been following afar for awhile now.I let circumstance overwhelm and oppress me to the point that I just coast through life because I have convinced myself God can’t use me,my mind,body,and family are too broken.
About 10 years ago I was very close to God and had a very close relationship with him …..I spent time with him daily n was receiving many prophecy and operating in the gifts that God has given me……but we had many tragedys our 10 yr old daughter found my husbands best friend dead in our living room on mothers day , my husband began having serious health issues & even flatlined at one point in the ER , my mother in law fought cancer for 9 years before loosing the battle , lost everything in a house fire, we had a so called friend get jealous n file a bogus accusation against us which resulted in us loosing 2 boys we were fostering and about to adopt, life got crazy n chaotic with rebellious teenagers and before I knew it I was following God at a distance just like Peter…….but about 8 months ago we started getting involved in a little church in our community and since then that desire to walk closely with God is getting very strong and I can feel that flame in my spirit beginning to flicker…..God has given my husband and I a vision that we believe will help us reach out to the kids in our community and help them to take a stand for Christ and resist the temptations of the world……we are ready to get our flames burning brightly so we can help train up a mighty army of God that will change the our future and the future of our community…….
thank you for the encouragement. This has been on my mind for the last few days, esp. the same part as you mentioned, ” when I saw that my new-found faith wasn’t so readily accepted by certain friends at school, I’d backed off from associating myself so publicly with Jesus.”- I tried to put into conscious practice putting Jesus first in my life despite what my close friends may think about it….quite challenging at times, but we must
Thank you for the encouragement…..I couldn’t agree more — it is the Bible that keeps us walking closely with Jesus. It is day by day — I can tell the difference just by not starting off my day in the Word.
Wow this really hit home. How I’ve been walking at that distance you talk about, close enough to see him but where others can see me close to him. Thank you so much for this devotion! It really opened my eyes and has helped me to ask the Lord to forgive me for keeping him at a distance and improve my relationship with Him from here. I don’t know where to start, but I know God will guide me as I ask him in prayer. Thanks again!
great things to think about. yes, it’s all too easy, sometimes, to follow at a distance it’s more comfortable and i am in control. Father God, forgive me, help me to run to you instead of following you at a distance………………..
Staying in the Word draws me closer to Him, and the more I know Him, the more I trust Him.
I would love this book.
I feel more like I’m being carried right now; no strength to walk.
Awesome reminder! Thanks for sharing your gifts and talents with us as we continue our daily walk with the Lord. Trying to re-prioritize some of my daily activities. This sure spoke to my heart.
I fail at this every day. I keep thinking I will “do it later” and I never get around to even opening my Bible. I feel like I am always an arms length away. Its difficult because my teenage daughter is putting up a fight lately about going to church on Wed night. She says church is just a social club for the rich kids who cant drive yet and when they can drive, they stop going. I told her that the point of being there isn’t just to socialize but to spend time in a small group studying the Word. I said this is especially important if you haven’t been able to discipline yourself enough to read alone at home on a daily basis. I admitted that I failed at this myself but I wish I was setting a better examole for her.
It always helps to read and be close with God.
I think that this happens all the time in life. We seem to forget that we need to sit down and read our Bible everyday and do a devotional. I’m guilty of this. The Bible helps us stay focused on what is most important. God our Father. We forget going through our day especially if we are really busy with kids, home, for some a job, or whatever else keeps us busy that we need it. Look at the Bible as an instruction manual of what we need to be doing everyday. Praying and reading it daily. My senior director in Mary Kay said the other night that we need to pray like we’re praying to the God who parted the Red Sea. Remember the Red Sea was three miles long and 5,000 people wide. If He could part the Sea like that imagine what He can do for us if we just take the time and ask and pray. We need to be that close to God..He is our Father.
I am guilty of following distantly. I think I start relying on myself too much and that tends to get me in trouble. I love the idea of the new Bible devotional. Proverbs 31 ministry is such a great way to start the day.
I have been searching out ways to be more in God’s word. I am the mother of six children ages 13 to 8months and often have a hard time finding the time I know I need and want to be in the word.
I read your post today on Encouragement for Today Devotions. It touched me because I have been struggling with feeling like people dont want to hear the things I post on facebook but I post a lot about what im learning in my devotional time every day. I do it because i have been learning and growing a lot over the last year and a half and I feel closer to God than ever before. I want that for other people too. This post reminded me that God’s opinion is the one that matters most. Instead of not posting I should be bold for him.
Thanks for he reminder. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who goes through this. I need to get in my Bible more and cultivate the intimacy I so long for with The Lord.
Today your chat comes at a time when I am really working not to follow from afar. Due to an auto accident my sister had I find myself closer to Him than ever. During the weeks they were hospitalized and it was uncertain if my sister would ever be the same or that 2 of her 4 children would ever be the same God was with our family through it all. As the blessings continued to flow I found myself more excited and sharing the story with anyone who would listen, I even shared it with a telemarketer. Wait let me share the short version with you all! Mar 2 my sister and 3 of her 4 children were returning from a church function. She missed a stop sign and went over an embankment into a stand of trees. She had compound fractures of her left arm, leg, ankle, as well as a broken heel and 6 broken ribs on the right side. Her youngest daughter had to be resuscitated at the scene and had multiple compound fractures of her left arm. I live in CA and she is in TX. She and her other daughter were in the hospital in Tyler, and the youngest was sent to Dallas Children’s hospital. With in minutes members of her work and church were at their sides and provided physical presence that I could not. Her job has provide a way for her to get payed and work from home as long as needed. Her youngest daughter is out of hospital and even though they were uncertain she would ever use her left arm the fingers are working and she has feeling down the arm and into her hand. (they thought they might have to amputate her arm). Her sister had a hangman’s fracture of the neck with very little spinal column damage. She must wear a brace for many months but her neck is realigning it self quickly. When the dr. told her he was surprised at how fast she was healing she smiled her 15 year old smile at him and said I am not surprised for God has had his hand on all of us since the point of impact! Six months ago I would not have shared this with anyone but close friends and family. I realized that God was teaching me through my nieces just how to get closer. I prayed with many who were with them and often was given a verse to think about.
As I reflected on this change I realized that I had been getting closer to Him through Melissa Taylor’s OBS studies and I realized that much of what you talked about in Let Go was being shown to me not just in my reactions but in those of others. Control has always been an issue for me especially when I cant do anything about it. Getting deeper in the word is something we must schedule time for. The P31 Devotionals are a wonderful source and I cant wait to delve into the New Bible! Thank You Karen for your compassion and grace! May God abundantly bless you!