Jesus

A Closer Walk

/ Gail Johnson / 20 Comments

A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps (Proverbs 16:9 KJV).

Life

Remember those plans I shared earlier? I did not complete everything, but I finished the most important tasks on my to-do list.

Spending time with Jesus.
Studying the book of James with my daughter.
Finishing edits on my novel.

I am pleased with this summer despite being sick for several weeks. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed digging into the book of James. And I’m still rummaging through it. James’ words to “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” stirred a greater desire to draw closer to my Lord.

The Song

As we studied and prayed, the hymn “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” came to mind. Have you heard it? I have sung and played this song for years. But I never noticed the top of the page until this week. When searching my hymnals this week, I was surprised to find the words and music attributed to an anonymous author. So we can only guess what the author was thinking and feeling while writing the words.

Disappointed, I searched the title online. Rather than find the author, I found the man who made the song famous. Horace C. Boyer wrote the story of Kenneth Morris and the well-known hymn in How Sweet the Sound.

While resting at a train station in 1940, songwriter Kenneth Morris heard a porter singing “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.” The song stuck. Morris continued his journey but was unable to forget the lyrics. At the next train station, he purchased a return ticket. When he arrived back at the station, he found the porter and asked him to sing the song again so he could write down the words. He added more lyrics and later published the song that same year. Morris gave the porter credit in a line below the title.

“As sung by Mr. William B. Hurst of Kansas City. Mo.”

In 1944, he took it to the National Baptist Convention, and everyone loved it. The song has been recorded by artists such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, Johnny Cash, Bob Dillon, Oak Ridge Boys, Alabama, Ike and Tina Turner, Mahalia Jackson, Sara Evans, Willie Nelson, Wynton Marsalis and Eric Clapton, Anne Murray, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Randy Travis, Lynda Randle, The Jackson Southernaires, Charley Pride, BJ Thomas, Connie Smith, The Jordanaires, Jimmy Swaggart, and Jerry Lee Lewis.

As you can see, it has been sung to diverse audiences. From New Orleans to Nashville to New York City. From country to gospel to jazz to rock and roll. I found that amazing. Let’s take a look at the lyrics.

Just a Closer Walk with Thee

I am weak but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong.
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

(Truth)
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

During seasons of trials and temptations, our weaknesses are revealed. But there is power in the name of Jesus. Through His blood, we can triumph over the enemy! The key is to study the Bible, pray daily, and walk by His side on the straight and narrow path.

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea.
Daily walking close to the Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

(Truth)
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake (Psalm 23:3).
Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths (Psalm 25:4).
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies (Psalm 25:10).

When we ask for guidance, the Lord will direct us on the right path, leading us away from trouble.

Thro’ this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

(Truth)
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:14-15).

At times, it may seem like we are alone. No one seems to understand how we feel or what we are going through. However, there is one who knows all.

When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

(Truth)
And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you (Isaiah 46:4).

We need not worry about being abandoned in old age. God reminded His people that He was God. He had not changed. He had watched over them in the beginning. He would watch over them until the end. He created them. He was strong enough to carry them. The Lord hasn’t changed. He will see us to the end of our journey. What a comforting thought!

After learning more about this hymn, I hope it has become dear to you. I can’t say it’s one of my favorites, but I can say it has ministered to me this summer.

Until next time…

Learn More

Luke Powell, Just a Closer Walk with Thee
Horace Clarence Boyer, How Sweet the Sound
Kenneth Morris – Hymnology Archive

STEP 5: Seek

/ Gail Johnson / 7 Comments

Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. 1 Chronicles 16:11 (KJV)

Let’s review the 5 STEPS for Success in 2025 before looking at the fifth and final step.

  1. Sing
  2. Track
  3. Encourage
  4. Persevere
  5. Seek

Our last step, as you can see, is the word seek. Seek in Hebrew means “to inquire of,” “to ask,” or “to seek,” conveying the idea of “going to see,” personally verifying something said, or “searching for.” KJV Study Bible

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication to strive after: – ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). Strong’s Concordance

Notice the “personally verifying something said.”

One who seeks is called a seeker. A seeker goes in search of something. I cannot seek for you no more than you can seek for me. We must seek for ourselves.

Seek what?

I chose the words Lord, wisdom, and truth for this post.

SEEK THE LORD

In today’s world, we can become overwhelmed by the news, family situations, and financial responsibilities. The good news is the Lord promises when we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him. He is the great I AM. And He will supply the need.

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

With all your heart is important. A seeker’s heart is seeking something or someone. It is consumed with the subject. They will not quit until they find what they’re looking for.

Find is the result—reward.

The word when is not a time stamp. It describes the moment our hearts are prepared to find the answer. I’m sure you’ve had moments when your heart was no longer focused on things of the world or yourself.

If you don’t, hang on. They’re coming.

SEEK WISDOM

First Kings has one of my favorite verses about God’s care for His people. David is dead, and a young Solomon is appointed king. The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask what I shall give thee.”

Imagine the Lord offering you the same gift. What would you say?

Even as a young boy, Solomon knew he needed help to govern the people.

“…I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. …Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?”

Read the whole conversation at 1 Kings 3:5-15.

We are wise when we understand we need the Lord’s help. Many situations can leave a person scratching their heads nowadays. But if we rely on the Lord, He will guide us to the perfect solution.

SEEK TRUTH

Social media has been filled with conflicting stories for the longest. Lately, I feel like a parent listening to several kids tell their side of the story while trying to figure out which one to believe. For instance . . .

Last week, people became upset over a video and began sharing it. And I mean sharing it! It was everywhere. The problem was the clip told half the story. People were in a panic.

No, I didn’t share. And no, it wasn’t a political post. It was about ebooks. My heart went out to everyone who didn’t understand what was happening. Curious, I searched for the truth and found articles explaining the entire matter. By then, several people were sharing articles. Whew!

That incident made my heart heavy. Ebooks may seem trivial to some, but ebooks are not the only reason people are upset. Fake news. Fake pictures. Fake people. These days, we cannot believe everything we see and hear. We must seek the truth! We should look out for each other.

I didn’t have anyone looking out for me when I entered the online world years ago. I shared what I thought to be a cry for help. Not true. Someone had taken an old photo of a war-torn district and misled the viewer about another situation. Boy, did I get lambasted for my ignorance! Now, I question everything.

The following scripture should guide us in what we say, think, and do.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

SEEKING IN 2025

There are more good things to seek in 2025. Things like peace, justice, reconciliation, the hurting, and the lost. What would you add to the list?

Let us seek the Lord and His will like never before in 2025.

Until next time…

STEP 4: Perseverance

/ Gail Johnson / 7 Comments

Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.
2 Chronicles 15:7 (KJV)

If you have worked toward a goal, you know some things are quickly obtained while others may take a little longer. That’s when perseverance becomes necessary to reach the finish line.

To persevere means to continue in some effort or course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. To be steadfast in purpose.

In spite of has been my word(s) for a while. In fact, this post is an “in spite of” moment. Though I’m late, I made it! Psst! February has been that kind of month. 😊

STEP 4: Perseverance

As I thought about this step, I wanted to know the difference between perseverance and persistence. I found out persistence can be negative, while perseverance can be positive.

For instance, when we hear of a persistent child, we usually associate them with not listening when they are told no. Not taking no for an answer is acceptable if you’re trying to achieve a good outcome. Not so good when someone harasses you for whatever reason.

On the other hand, perseverance refers to people who have endured hardships or difficult circumstances to achieve their goals.

Examples in American History

The Wright brothers worked on their plane for four years before taking the first flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in 1903

According to The Franklin Institute, it took Thomas Edison and his associates two years (1878-1880) to invent the incandescent bulb. Of course, that was after working on 3000 ideas to go about it.

Western writer Louis L’Amour’s manuscripts were rejected 200 times before Bantam Publishers gave him a contract. After selling 330 million books, he became their best-selling author. I have quite a few in my library.

Edison’s Lightbulb – fi.edu | Bestsellers Initially Rejected – litrejections.com

Examples in Biblical History

Moses led a passel of people through the desert for 40 years in spite of their constant complaining.

Paul finished his race in spite of the beatings, stonings, and rejection by his own people.

Jesus fulfilled the Father’s will in spite of rejection by His own people, false accusations, beatings, and the cross.

Wrap-Up

I hope you garnered a basket of courage from the examples given above. A goal worth achieving is going to take time and effort. To succeed, we must keep pushing ahead in spite of the obstacles.

Keep moving forward.

Winner

Congratulations to Melissa Henderson for winning Sandra Byrd’s devotional!