Donny, I appreciate all these prayers walks so much as they challenge us to look into our own journey of faith. I have to say that I feel God hasn't asked me to give up absolutely everything, at any point in time thus far, but if God did ask me to give up something, I sincerely hope I would. Caregiving for my mother for three plus years was the hardest thing I've ever gone through thus far. I had to sacrifice time spent with others to be on call for a lot of those years as her health gradually went down hill. It was tough, but in the end I was blessed being able to spend quality time with her and confirming she had accepted Jesus Christ into her heart, and hearing her say finally she loved me. We actually grew closer during those years. Sometimes, we have to make a sacrifice, but in the end, there's usually a blessing or prayer answered even it took years for these two prayers to be answered. Even though I didn't get to spend as much time with my friends during that time, guess what, they were there for me when I needed a shoulder. They are still my friends today. When we fully surrender ourselves to God, I feel we have the desire to make the necessary sacrifice. It all starts with our faith and trusting God that His way is best. Donny, thanks again for another thought provoking prayer walk. Take care and God bless!
If we look at the Bible we will find several passages of God using people who "No" lost nothing, on the contrary, they gained, God gave in abundance, not to accumulate, but to share.
In my church, the subject of study this month is “Generous Church” and the Pastor told us a true story, about Sandra West, who in 1977, in the city of San Antonio, Texas, asked to be buried next to her Ferrari 330 .
He drew parallels with Jesus' sacrificial death and extremes of generosity.
Sandra's attachment to material goods and the love of Jesus who had nothing material, but generously, He gave His own life to save us!
WOW!!
Listening to Donny's message, remembering the Pastor's message from last Sunday's service and correlating it with my life today, I have to pray a lot and ask God not to let me be like Sandra West.
So true Angela! We are called to share whatever or however God leads. I try to do that and that’s what I’m trying to encourage others to do also. God always provides! Thank you for sharing these thoughts.
I've not been in the place of having lost everything. I have lost some big things at different times and I think what those times taught me was to hold everything in this life somewhat loosely. It's hard not to hold onto people tightly, but having lost a child, I came to understand that nothing is guaranteed no matter how tightly you hold on. Everything we have is God's, including our kids. I think all of us have different callings. I followed a pretty big scary one two years ago (but I wrestled with it!) and I like to think if God called me to do something completely sacrificial to follow His call, I would. The step I took taught me that He knows best and He will take care of us if we are obedient when He says, "Go!". BTW, the scenery on the walk today was stunning. An inspiring place for a prayer walk! Thanks for the difficult questions that make me lean into my faith even harder. Praying for you, Donny, that you will soon know when to "Go!"
Cathey, I love talking to you, even virtually, so let's do it.
Jesus' last command to his disciples, before he ascended to Heaven, was to go and preach the gospel to all people in the world. This is the calling of every Christian, until Jesus returns. (Mark 16:15)
Some people confuse this verse that the command "go and make disciples" is only for pastors, evangelists, missionaries or others, on the contrary, this command is for all of us Christians, as Donny rightly said.
What I think is that we need to understand that for many of us the call is to preach the Gospel in the way we live, speak and act, giving good testimony of Jesus.
I couldn't agree more, Angela, that the primary call on all believers is to spread the Good News! I do believe we all have different giftings in which our call is manifested. I absolutely believe we all need to be open to having discussions with people about what our faith in Jesus means to us. However, I think the message can be spread through music or writing or painting or caregiving or whatever individual way God has given us the ability and giftings to share. I think that's how the universal church works - all of us being the voice of God in unique and individual ways that reach people in very different ways.
I have no doubts that I have a vocation and I've been working on it since I was 15, but in recent years I've moved away, due to what's been happening in the world (social isolation).
For the past few months I have been "trying" to reduce my workload at university just to get back to my ministry.
You see, I wrote "trying", in fact, humanly it is not easy to follow God's order, for that we also need his action in our life!
I'm not attached to money, but I still have some material attachments that I need God to release and I've been praying a lot about it.
Our world certainly changed in the last three years in regards to how we go about living out our callings to make disciples. The church took a huge hit in being able to carry out the spread of the Gospel. But it also made us more creative in how we go about spreading the Word. God always gives us timing and opportunity when He calls us, so He will do that for you again!
Well, I'll try to put chapter 10 in context - in case I'm wrong, I'm going from what I remember, I haven't done any research, so please correct me.
The author says that salvation will come to those who believe in Jesus and Faith will come by hearing the Word of God through those who will be sent. Paul also talks about his love for the Israelites and how he wants everyone to be saved.
Paul demonstrates sadness, because the Israelites do not accept Jesus and do not believe in his work, but he states that the promise made to Abram encompasses all: Jews and Gentiles.
I understand that in verses 14-17 it is an exhortation that the Word of God must be taken to everyone, it made me think that in this context there is a “triad”, see: how to “invoke the one” in whom you have no faith? And how can you “believe in the one” of whom you have not heard? And how to “hear about it”, if there is no one to preach?
Therefore, “going” is a condition, but “going” can be in so many ways, such as, for example, financially supporting those who are on the front line.
Another good reflection is: why was the thief, who was with Jesus on the cross, saved?
Did someone talk about the gospel to him or did he just have Faith?
Great verses! Romans is just the BEST! "So faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" (NKJ). I love reading Scripture in different versions as it provides clarity. Very clear that people come to faith by hearing the Word. In Paul's time almost all communication for the average person was spoken. People would not hear God's words if someone didn't speak them. I still think face to face conversation is the best way as it allows for reciprocal exchanging of thought. But now we have so so many ways to communicate Scripture. Even David knew the value of a good song. I have a young friend who does 3 minute Bible reading/prayer times on SM platforms and has over a million followers. I don't think God disapproves of utilizing all genres to communicate his Word. The younger generations are not hearing it in churches but will listen to an IG post or YouTube or TikTok. Just my take - as I said, I still believe face to face is most effective as there is power in the preaching and hearing. Also requires us to know Scripture and be able to speak knowledgeably about it. What are your thoughts about those verses?
I always appreciate these walks and look so forward to them. I’m near 69 and do remember giving up everything to follow Jesus and move into a church with 8 other people. I had had an apartment and my last little dog. My dog went to live with my brother. My parents had moved to Florida and the only one I could trust to be with me was Jesus. I had a new car but it was hit in a head on collision and I lost it. I almost went to Israel but God would not allow that door to open. So I have always been willing to give up everything. What I know God wants of me is to give abundantly and wait on His hand to fill me with what He knows I need not my wants. So I love deeply and let go of things I don’t really need. They say you can’t take it with you so I would rather take a hand of a friend to go with me.
Donny thank you for another thought provoking Prayer Walk. I have to say I have never been in a position where I have had to give everything up and rely totally on Jesus. When I was Praying the things under Faith in Motion the words to the following song came to meso I would say they speak of where I have been and where I want to go in my walk with Jesus.
"Lord Have Mercy"
Jesus, I've forgotten the words that You have spoken
Promises that burned within my heart have now grown dim
With a doubting heart I follow the paths of earthly wisdom
Forgive me for my unbelief
Renew the fire again
Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on me
I have built an altar where I worship things of men
I have taken journeys that have drawn me far from You
Now I am returning to Your mercies ever flowing
Pardon my transgressions
Help me love You again
I have longed to know You & Your tender mercies
Like a river of forgiveness ever flowing without end
I bow my heart before You in the goodness of Your presence
I just mean that I haven't lost everything so that I have to rely on God for everything. I have lost family members but still haven't had to rely on God for anything. Maybe I have had things too easy although life hasn't been easy for me, but my internal defense mechanism is to just get on with it and do what has to be done. so you could say I have relied on myself rather than God. Guess I would have to go into a lot of detail for you to understand why I am like that. I have actually just recently had the revelation that God is MY Father. Not sure if this has answered what you were asking me or not.
The first thing I want to say Donny, is that all of these areas that you are taking us to for the Prayer Walks are just gorgeous. Thank You for sharing them.
I guess I did things in reverse. My faith was pretty well gone. My husband was atheist and I just didn't "feel" it I suppose. Then I lost my husband of 46 years. I lost my best friend, my whole world. Thats when I turned to faith. We had moved South to be closer to my daughter when the time came. I found a Church and I truly feel thats what got me through those years following his death. I guess I have to say that my faith still does get me through. I have a close girlfriend whose faith is very strong. She was a big help as well.
The few times my head has overruled my heart things have never ended in a good way. Great losses hurt but moving through them has produced growth and stronger ties with my faith. Material things don’t feed the soul. Fellowship around the dinner table is always a good place to start.
Your prayer walks are awesome. Thank you for sharing. Love ya❤️
Donny I have never lost everything tangible in my life, but often at an early point in my marriage I begin to pray to God asking “should I stay or should I go?” As cliche as that sounds I always would feel him saying “stay” . I feel like our Faith comes in stages like the seasons. At times I feel like I could move mountains and at times I feel hopeless. But Each time I look into my daughters eyes I see hope, faith and love . Until you have felt like you heart could bust with so much emotion just in a glimpse into your child’s eyes, then YOU KNOW God is using you to sow a seed, to show your compassion for Jesus Christ. I have watched Cheyenne grow in her Faith so much recently, God willing we will be at a new church this Sunday morning per her request and Cailyn asks more about Jesus as she’s getting older. Giving up “everything” in this life would be difficult for me because my family is the reason I have “stayed”. And I know he is using me for them . Thank you Donny for always putting our Faith in Motion 🙏
Oh Heidi, I'm so happy to hear that Cheyenne invited you to church, praise God! I will be praying for you to be received with love in the house of God!
I really like this verse:
"Let all these words that I command you today be in your heart. Teach them persistently to your children. Talk about them when you sit at home, when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
Deuteronomy" 6:6,7
In fact, I believe that evangelism starts at home and brings the idea of transformation, effectively impacting the lives we love and live under one roof! God's will was, is and always will be that "all houses" are composed of people loved and reached by Him!
So "Stay" and I'll be praying for you and your family!
Thank you Donny for another inspirational prayer walk. Beautiful scenery, although it looked cold. Brrr. My first few years of marriage were a challenge financially and full of uncertainty. They included my husband being drafted into the Army, leading to his decision to study to be a military chaplain, which meant many challenging years of being a student. While still in school my husband got a state job as a chaplain at a home for orphaned/wards of the state. Housing, benefits, longterm stability, great pay, flexible schedule and reimbursement to continue graduate studies all provided. Everything we had prayed for. We had “everything” we needed and wanted or so we thought. The state suddenly made a policy change that affected the children at the home that was in our belief contrary to biblical teachings. We decided to leave and suffer the financial consequences. We have been married 51 years and God has never failed to take care of us, to provide for us, bless us, help us reach our goals. Were there lean times, worries, health issues, trials, challenges, long military deployments as a chaplain, yes, life still happened. But the blessings, family, love, joy, peace, and faith have made our life a journey far beyond what we could have imagined when we started out. God knows our hearts. His love abounds. In our older years we still seek Him first. Thank you again Donny. God bless you on your journey for the Lord.
There’s no doubt in my mind I would sacrifice my life for my children & husband. I’m pretty sure I’d think twice about sacrificing it for God. Tells me a lot about my faith -- or lack of. Thought-provoking...
Donny, have listened to this prayer walk three times since yesterday. Your questions have me reflecting on my walk with the Lord.
There was a time I felt I had lost everything, when my husband passed away. My whole world was turned upside down, didn’t want to go on, felt couldn’t do it, didn’t know where to go. It was then I learned that I had my plan but God had His plan for me. Took me a couple of years to realize this, God had been with me the whole time...I wasn’t listening.
Currently I believe that God is calling me to be where I am, resting here in this place, where He sent me three years ago. There have been new opportunities given to me to serve God in this place, sharing my faith and His love through my actions. This past year I’ve taken more time to listen and find the guidance for my journey.
Your walks as I’ve said, have been challenging me, helping me strengthen my faith...appreciate every one of them. Donny continued prayers for you on your journey to back to the states..many blessings ahead for you!
Once again, very thought provoking. Thank you sooo much for challenging us. We need these promptings...
I do anyways.
The last three years, especially last year has really brought me to the place of realizing so much in this world is meaningless. The more I have the more I am bound. But to just sell or give away and walk it not what I am feeling. I know I need to be faithful to my husband, kids and grabddaughter. Then to those in the body I serve in many ways.
I still struggle sooo much with sharing my faith more boldly. Yes, I do and I write locally and each month have been prompted to share more each time of Jesus Christ being our only hope.
I really do feel bogged down by this world but alive whenever I can love my family and those I know and meet.
My soul glorys in Him alone!!
Thank you.
On another note... this was amazing because this morning myself, my daughter and three year old granddaughter, with the dog, went for a walk at Buntzen!! 💎 Kind of laughing at myself being focused on my family and the dog thinking we couldve passed you and my 'mom mode' oblivious!
It is a beautiful spot. (Although we walked the east side on trail to the North Beach... only made it to Elderberry Creek the little one was getting tired and hungry)
The Lord biggest blessings upon you. May He pour out abundantly above all you ask or imagine. His Shekinah Glory!
Donny such a great prayer walk this week. If I ask God to give me something it would be faith and courage. I do have faith in God but courage is a different story. So I will pray to him to give me courage in my heart. Thanks Donny 🙏🏻
Hoo boy, sticky subject, bound to cause friction. You really stepped in it on this walk.
How in the world does one go about doing what is proposed here? Seriously, how is it possible to walk away from a future that is relatively financially secure , a future one has toiled decades to set up, then wander into the unknown with nothing there to back you up? I can't do it.
There was a time when I was flat out broke, owned nothing other than a broken down car that served as a shelter. Had no options other than truly trusting Jesus to assist me every day to get by, which he did by bringing people in and out of my journey. I trusted the Lord with my needs because it was the only hope I had. He did the impossible. He also provided me a way to never have to go back there, and I appreciate it every single day. I can't go back.
It seems as though it was promised to me that I wouldn't have to go back there, to live like that again because he provided me a way to not have to go back to that darkness, hopelessness. I can't do it.
Thank you for this beautiful prayer walk Donny, wow this questions? Where do I start? First I will be praying for you that soon you get news and you get to go. The most I can recall were when I lost my two pregnancy “stillborn “ 2 years apart. First boy at 33 weeks two years later boy #2 at 30 weeks.I ask God why ? and he given me the answer two years later he gifted me a healthy baby boy and tomorrow he will be 38 years old. God has a plan we all been effected by life’s storms to some degree but the best shelter ,the one that can protect you,cancel plans of attack by the enemy,keep you dry and safe is God’s word. My purpose with Philippians 4:13 says, “ I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me” He didn’t say you might make it ,He didn’t say some things,,He said ALL things ! Here are my five words (1) I have a purpose Romans 8:28 (2) I have His prayers Hebrews 7:25 (3) I have His presence You have this promise from the Lord in Exodus 33:14(4) I have His peace Philippians 4:6-7(5) I have His power Jesus is not new to calming storms, in Luke 8:23-25 he rebuked the storms,,he ceased the winds and calmed the seas. In Mark 6:51 the storm calmed by what? #3 His presence alone! God gave us does not make us timid, but give us power,love and self- discipline . Today may you be reassured,be renewed,strengthened,today may you feel a sense of peace ,purpose and though we may not understand every storm- may rise above and come out stronger.Lord let your presence be tangible to us all today, in Jesus name. Amen.
Donny, I appreciate all these prayers walks so much as they challenge us to look into our own journey of faith. I have to say that I feel God hasn't asked me to give up absolutely everything, at any point in time thus far, but if God did ask me to give up something, I sincerely hope I would. Caregiving for my mother for three plus years was the hardest thing I've ever gone through thus far. I had to sacrifice time spent with others to be on call for a lot of those years as her health gradually went down hill. It was tough, but in the end I was blessed being able to spend quality time with her and confirming she had accepted Jesus Christ into her heart, and hearing her say finally she loved me. We actually grew closer during those years. Sometimes, we have to make a sacrifice, but in the end, there's usually a blessing or prayer answered even it took years for these two prayers to be answered. Even though I didn't get to spend as much time with my friends during that time, guess what, they were there for me when I needed a shoulder. They are still my friends today. When we fully surrender ourselves to God, I feel we have the desire to make the necessary sacrifice. It all starts with our faith and trusting God that His way is best. Donny, thanks again for another thought provoking prayer walk. Take care and God bless!
If we look at the Bible we will find several passages of God using people who "No" lost nothing, on the contrary, they gained, God gave in abundance, not to accumulate, but to share.
In my church, the subject of study this month is “Generous Church” and the Pastor told us a true story, about Sandra West, who in 1977, in the city of San Antonio, Texas, asked to be buried next to her Ferrari 330 .
He drew parallels with Jesus' sacrificial death and extremes of generosity.
Sandra's attachment to material goods and the love of Jesus who had nothing material, but generously, He gave His own life to save us!
WOW!!
Listening to Donny's message, remembering the Pastor's message from last Sunday's service and correlating it with my life today, I have to pray a lot and ask God not to let me be like Sandra West.
So true Angela! We are called to share whatever or however God leads. I try to do that and that’s what I’m trying to encourage others to do also. God always provides! Thank you for sharing these thoughts.
I've not been in the place of having lost everything. I have lost some big things at different times and I think what those times taught me was to hold everything in this life somewhat loosely. It's hard not to hold onto people tightly, but having lost a child, I came to understand that nothing is guaranteed no matter how tightly you hold on. Everything we have is God's, including our kids. I think all of us have different callings. I followed a pretty big scary one two years ago (but I wrestled with it!) and I like to think if God called me to do something completely sacrificial to follow His call, I would. The step I took taught me that He knows best and He will take care of us if we are obedient when He says, "Go!". BTW, the scenery on the walk today was stunning. An inspiring place for a prayer walk! Thanks for the difficult questions that make me lean into my faith even harder. Praying for you, Donny, that you will soon know when to "Go!"
Thank you for your prayers 🙂🙏🏼
Cathey, I love talking to you, even virtually, so let's do it.
Jesus' last command to his disciples, before he ascended to Heaven, was to go and preach the gospel to all people in the world. This is the calling of every Christian, until Jesus returns. (Mark 16:15)
Some people confuse this verse that the command "go and make disciples" is only for pastors, evangelists, missionaries or others, on the contrary, this command is for all of us Christians, as Donny rightly said.
What I think is that we need to understand that for many of us the call is to preach the Gospel in the way we live, speak and act, giving good testimony of Jesus.
I couldn't agree more, Angela, that the primary call on all believers is to spread the Good News! I do believe we all have different giftings in which our call is manifested. I absolutely believe we all need to be open to having discussions with people about what our faith in Jesus means to us. However, I think the message can be spread through music or writing or painting or caregiving or whatever individual way God has given us the ability and giftings to share. I think that's how the universal church works - all of us being the voice of God in unique and individual ways that reach people in very different ways.
Yes, i agree with you!
I have no doubts that I have a vocation and I've been working on it since I was 15, but in recent years I've moved away, due to what's been happening in the world (social isolation).
For the past few months I have been "trying" to reduce my workload at university just to get back to my ministry.
You see, I wrote "trying", in fact, humanly it is not easy to follow God's order, for that we also need his action in our life!
I'm not attached to money, but I still have some material attachments that I need God to release and I've been praying a lot about it.
Our world certainly changed in the last three years in regards to how we go about living out our callings to make disciples. The church took a huge hit in being able to carry out the spread of the Gospel. But it also made us more creative in how we go about spreading the Word. God always gives us timing and opportunity when He calls us, so He will do that for you again!
I'm enjoying reading this conversation. You both seem well versed and kind hearted. I would like to hear your thoughts on Romans 10:14-17
Well, I'll try to put chapter 10 in context - in case I'm wrong, I'm going from what I remember, I haven't done any research, so please correct me.
The author says that salvation will come to those who believe in Jesus and Faith will come by hearing the Word of God through those who will be sent. Paul also talks about his love for the Israelites and how he wants everyone to be saved.
Paul demonstrates sadness, because the Israelites do not accept Jesus and do not believe in his work, but he states that the promise made to Abram encompasses all: Jews and Gentiles.
I understand that in verses 14-17 it is an exhortation that the Word of God must be taken to everyone, it made me think that in this context there is a “triad”, see: how to “invoke the one” in whom you have no faith? And how can you “believe in the one” of whom you have not heard? And how to “hear about it”, if there is no one to preach?
Therefore, “going” is a condition, but “going” can be in so many ways, such as, for example, financially supporting those who are on the front line.
Another good reflection is: why was the thief, who was with Jesus on the cross, saved?
Did someone talk about the gospel to him or did he just have Faith?
Great verses! Romans is just the BEST! "So faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" (NKJ). I love reading Scripture in different versions as it provides clarity. Very clear that people come to faith by hearing the Word. In Paul's time almost all communication for the average person was spoken. People would not hear God's words if someone didn't speak them. I still think face to face conversation is the best way as it allows for reciprocal exchanging of thought. But now we have so so many ways to communicate Scripture. Even David knew the value of a good song. I have a young friend who does 3 minute Bible reading/prayer times on SM platforms and has over a million followers. I don't think God disapproves of utilizing all genres to communicate his Word. The younger generations are not hearing it in churches but will listen to an IG post or YouTube or TikTok. Just my take - as I said, I still believe face to face is most effective as there is power in the preaching and hearing. Also requires us to know Scripture and be able to speak knowledgeably about it. What are your thoughts about those verses?
I always appreciate these walks and look so forward to them. I’m near 69 and do remember giving up everything to follow Jesus and move into a church with 8 other people. I had had an apartment and my last little dog. My dog went to live with my brother. My parents had moved to Florida and the only one I could trust to be with me was Jesus. I had a new car but it was hit in a head on collision and I lost it. I almost went to Israel but God would not allow that door to open. So I have always been willing to give up everything. What I know God wants of me is to give abundantly and wait on His hand to fill me with what He knows I need not my wants. So I love deeply and let go of things I don’t really need. They say you can’t take it with you so I would rather take a hand of a friend to go with me.
Donny thank you for another thought provoking Prayer Walk. I have to say I have never been in a position where I have had to give everything up and rely totally on Jesus. When I was Praying the things under Faith in Motion the words to the following song came to meso I would say they speak of where I have been and where I want to go in my walk with Jesus.
"Lord Have Mercy"
Jesus, I've forgotten the words that You have spoken
Promises that burned within my heart have now grown dim
With a doubting heart I follow the paths of earthly wisdom
Forgive me for my unbelief
Renew the fire again
Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on me
I have built an altar where I worship things of men
I have taken journeys that have drawn me far from You
Now I am returning to Your mercies ever flowing
Pardon my transgressions
Help me love You again
I have longed to know You & Your tender mercies
Like a river of forgiveness ever flowing without end
I bow my heart before You in the goodness of Your presence
Your grace forever shining
Like a beacon in the night
Thank you for sharing. I pray God shows Himself to you in a powerful way that draws you close to Him.
I found your comment "I have never been in a position where I have HAD to give everything up and rely on Jesus".
What do you mean never HAD to?
I just mean that I haven't lost everything so that I have to rely on God for everything. I have lost family members but still haven't had to rely on God for anything. Maybe I have had things too easy although life hasn't been easy for me, but my internal defense mechanism is to just get on with it and do what has to be done. so you could say I have relied on myself rather than God. Guess I would have to go into a lot of detail for you to understand why I am like that. I have actually just recently had the revelation that God is MY Father. Not sure if this has answered what you were asking me or not.
Thank you for sharing.
May I ask, How is it that you "rely on yourself"?
For you to fully understand it's a long story and not one that I feel I can share publicly, but thanks for asking.....
Understood. 🙂🙏🏼
This song ... this I must remember. Thank you for sharing, Teresa.
I have not paid attention to the words in the past.
The first thing I want to say Donny, is that all of these areas that you are taking us to for the Prayer Walks are just gorgeous. Thank You for sharing them.
I guess I did things in reverse. My faith was pretty well gone. My husband was atheist and I just didn't "feel" it I suppose. Then I lost my husband of 46 years. I lost my best friend, my whole world. Thats when I turned to faith. We had moved South to be closer to my daughter when the time came. I found a Church and I truly feel thats what got me through those years following his death. I guess I have to say that my faith still does get me through. I have a close girlfriend whose faith is very strong. She was a big help as well.
The few times my head has overruled my heart things have never ended in a good way. Great losses hurt but moving through them has produced growth and stronger ties with my faith. Material things don’t feed the soul. Fellowship around the dinner table is always a good place to start.
Your prayer walks are awesome. Thank you for sharing. Love ya❤️
Donny I have never lost everything tangible in my life, but often at an early point in my marriage I begin to pray to God asking “should I stay or should I go?” As cliche as that sounds I always would feel him saying “stay” . I feel like our Faith comes in stages like the seasons. At times I feel like I could move mountains and at times I feel hopeless. But Each time I look into my daughters eyes I see hope, faith and love . Until you have felt like you heart could bust with so much emotion just in a glimpse into your child’s eyes, then YOU KNOW God is using you to sow a seed, to show your compassion for Jesus Christ. I have watched Cheyenne grow in her Faith so much recently, God willing we will be at a new church this Sunday morning per her request and Cailyn asks more about Jesus as she’s getting older. Giving up “everything” in this life would be difficult for me because my family is the reason I have “stayed”. And I know he is using me for them . Thank you Donny for always putting our Faith in Motion 🙏
Oh Heidi, I'm so happy to hear that Cheyenne invited you to church, praise God! I will be praying for you to be received with love in the house of God!
I really like this verse:
"Let all these words that I command you today be in your heart. Teach them persistently to your children. Talk about them when you sit at home, when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
Deuteronomy" 6:6,7
In fact, I believe that evangelism starts at home and brings the idea of transformation, effectively impacting the lives we love and live under one roof! God's will was, is and always will be that "all houses" are composed of people loved and reached by Him!
So "Stay" and I'll be praying for you and your family!
Family definitely is what keeps me in my earthly home.
But often my spirit yearns for more.
Thank you Donny for another inspirational prayer walk. Beautiful scenery, although it looked cold. Brrr. My first few years of marriage were a challenge financially and full of uncertainty. They included my husband being drafted into the Army, leading to his decision to study to be a military chaplain, which meant many challenging years of being a student. While still in school my husband got a state job as a chaplain at a home for orphaned/wards of the state. Housing, benefits, longterm stability, great pay, flexible schedule and reimbursement to continue graduate studies all provided. Everything we had prayed for. We had “everything” we needed and wanted or so we thought. The state suddenly made a policy change that affected the children at the home that was in our belief contrary to biblical teachings. We decided to leave and suffer the financial consequences. We have been married 51 years and God has never failed to take care of us, to provide for us, bless us, help us reach our goals. Were there lean times, worries, health issues, trials, challenges, long military deployments as a chaplain, yes, life still happened. But the blessings, family, love, joy, peace, and faith have made our life a journey far beyond what we could have imagined when we started out. God knows our hearts. His love abounds. In our older years we still seek Him first. Thank you again Donny. God bless you on your journey for the Lord.
There’s no doubt in my mind I would sacrifice my life for my children & husband. I’m pretty sure I’d think twice about sacrificing it for God. Tells me a lot about my faith -- or lack of. Thought-provoking...
Really what gave me is a giving spirit.
Donny, have listened to this prayer walk three times since yesterday. Your questions have me reflecting on my walk with the Lord.
There was a time I felt I had lost everything, when my husband passed away. My whole world was turned upside down, didn’t want to go on, felt couldn’t do it, didn’t know where to go. It was then I learned that I had my plan but God had His plan for me. Took me a couple of years to realize this, God had been with me the whole time...I wasn’t listening.
Currently I believe that God is calling me to be where I am, resting here in this place, where He sent me three years ago. There have been new opportunities given to me to serve God in this place, sharing my faith and His love through my actions. This past year I’ve taken more time to listen and find the guidance for my journey.
Your walks as I’ve said, have been challenging me, helping me strengthen my faith...appreciate every one of them. Donny continued prayers for you on your journey to back to the states..many blessings ahead for you!
Once again, very thought provoking. Thank you sooo much for challenging us. We need these promptings...
I do anyways.
The last three years, especially last year has really brought me to the place of realizing so much in this world is meaningless. The more I have the more I am bound. But to just sell or give away and walk it not what I am feeling. I know I need to be faithful to my husband, kids and grabddaughter. Then to those in the body I serve in many ways.
I still struggle sooo much with sharing my faith more boldly. Yes, I do and I write locally and each month have been prompted to share more each time of Jesus Christ being our only hope.
I really do feel bogged down by this world but alive whenever I can love my family and those I know and meet.
My soul glorys in Him alone!!
Thank you.
On another note... this was amazing because this morning myself, my daughter and three year old granddaughter, with the dog, went for a walk at Buntzen!! 💎 Kind of laughing at myself being focused on my family and the dog thinking we couldve passed you and my 'mom mode' oblivious!
It is a beautiful spot. (Although we walked the east side on trail to the North Beach... only made it to Elderberry Creek the little one was getting tired and hungry)
The Lord biggest blessings upon you. May He pour out abundantly above all you ask or imagine. His Shekinah Glory!
Donny such a great prayer walk this week. If I ask God to give me something it would be faith and courage. I do have faith in God but courage is a different story. So I will pray to him to give me courage in my heart. Thanks Donny 🙏🏻
Hoo boy, sticky subject, bound to cause friction. You really stepped in it on this walk.
How in the world does one go about doing what is proposed here? Seriously, how is it possible to walk away from a future that is relatively financially secure , a future one has toiled decades to set up, then wander into the unknown with nothing there to back you up? I can't do it.
There was a time when I was flat out broke, owned nothing other than a broken down car that served as a shelter. Had no options other than truly trusting Jesus to assist me every day to get by, which he did by bringing people in and out of my journey. I trusted the Lord with my needs because it was the only hope I had. He did the impossible. He also provided me a way to never have to go back there, and I appreciate it every single day. I can't go back.
It seems as though it was promised to me that I wouldn't have to go back there, to live like that again because he provided me a way to not have to go back to that darkness, hopelessness. I can't do it.
Thank you for this beautiful prayer walk Donny, wow this questions? Where do I start? First I will be praying for you that soon you get news and you get to go. The most I can recall were when I lost my two pregnancy “stillborn “ 2 years apart. First boy at 33 weeks two years later boy #2 at 30 weeks.I ask God why ? and he given me the answer two years later he gifted me a healthy baby boy and tomorrow he will be 38 years old. God has a plan we all been effected by life’s storms to some degree but the best shelter ,the one that can protect you,cancel plans of attack by the enemy,keep you dry and safe is God’s word. My purpose with Philippians 4:13 says, “ I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me” He didn’t say you might make it ,He didn’t say some things,,He said ALL things ! Here are my five words (1) I have a purpose Romans 8:28 (2) I have His prayers Hebrews 7:25 (3) I have His presence You have this promise from the Lord in Exodus 33:14(4) I have His peace Philippians 4:6-7(5) I have His power Jesus is not new to calming storms, in Luke 8:23-25 he rebuked the storms,,he ceased the winds and calmed the seas. In Mark 6:51 the storm calmed by what? #3 His presence alone! God gave us does not make us timid, but give us power,love and self- discipline . Today may you be reassured,be renewed,strengthened,today may you feel a sense of peace ,purpose and though we may not understand every storm- may rise above and come out stronger.Lord let your presence be tangible to us all today, in Jesus name. Amen.