"Walking"

Mike Rogers introduced his spiritual mom and dad today. Visiting us all the way from Burton, Michigan are Ed and Peggy. (Sorry, I didn't catch the last name.) Since many members of our class are in Christ as a result of Mike and Lisa's ministry, that means a lot of you are their spiritual grandchildren! Peggy delivered the lesson for today's class, which she titled, "Walking."

What does it mean to "walk"? To "walk" is to put one foot in front of the other and hopefully not fall down. It also means to have a plan or a way of life. To walk with Christ is to follow His plan and way of life.

In Ephesians 4:17 through 5:21, we learn that we should no longer walk the way we did before we were believers. That means putting off things that grieve the Spirit, such as anger, wrath, bitterness, etc. There should be no corrupting talk among us; only that which builds up and gives grace.

Remember, the Holy Spirit is our "paraclete," or one who walks beside us. Wherever you go, God is walking beside you. He guides you and picks you up when you fall.

In Acts 4, Peter and John were being grilled by the Jewish authorities because of the work they had been doing--preaching and healing. The authorities figured these men weren't too smart but only simple fishermen. But then the Scripture says, "When they saw the courage of Peter and John...they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."

Make your walk one where people will say of you, "That person has been with Jesus."

Prayer Requests

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)

• Rodney is going in for heart surgery this week.
• Dean and Carol Arnold's daughter died. This is the second daughter they've lost.
• Lisa Adams's stepmother is on a respirator.
  
• Pray for Roger's wife and stepdaughter.
• Ronnie asks for prayer for Joe and Vanessa, who are in a lifestyle of drugs.
• Theresa's brother Ricky has cancer and will be having yet another surgery later this week.
• Debbie's son Adam got in a fight with another inmate. He is turning to Jesus but needs prayer.
  

Praise Reports

"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." (Hebrews 13:15)

• Amie shared how great the Lord is and that He truly restores what the locust has eaten. She's been on an adventure to find all her kids, and yesterday her 17-year-old son called her. He said, "I'm a Christian too, and I know the Lord wants me to forgive you, so I forgive you." Now Aimee's found all her children but one, who was adopted out while she and her husband were in jail.
• Tim and Casey bought a house that needed a lot of work, and God brought someone into their lives who is able to help them.