Intentional Steps: Walking Faithfully with God

Devotional

Day 1: Walking Faithfully and Intentionally with God

To walk with God is not a one-time decision but a lifelong, intentional journey. Enoch’s story in Genesis 5 stands out among the patriarchs because, after the birth of his son Methuselah, he chose to dedicate his life to walking faithfully with God. Unlike others in his lineage, Enoch’s life was marked by continuous devotion, and he was set apart, so much so that he did not experience death as others did. His example calls each of us to examine our own walk with God, to be intentional in our relationship, and to set ourselves apart for God’s purposes, not just in moments of blessing but throughout every season of life. [35:20]

Genesis 5:21-24 (ESV)
When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.

Reflection: What is one intentional step you can take today to deepen your walk with God, following Enoch’s example of lifelong faithfulness?

Day 2: Worship as the Foundation of Walking with God

Worship is the act of humbling ourselves before God, acknowledging His greatness, and expressing our love and gratitude for all He has done. It is more than singing songs or attending services; it is bowing our hearts and lives before the One who created us and sustains us. Worship reminds us that God is God and we are not, and it is the foundation for a faithful walk with Him. As we gather, sing, pray, and come to the table, we are invited to love God with our whole being and to remember His goodness and grace in every aspect of our lives. [46:47]

Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV)
Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

Reflection: In what specific way can you humble yourself before God in worship today, acknowledging His place as your Creator and Shepherd?

Day 3: Prayer—Communicating with God in Every Season

Prayer is the lifeblood of our relationship with God, a two-way conversation that sustains and deepens our faith. Jesus Himself modeled a life of prayer, withdrawing to quiet places to seek the Father, praying for Himself, for others, and even for His enemies. Prayer is not reserved for special moments or eloquent words; it is simply talking to God about everything—our gratitude, our needs, our confessions, and our hopes. Whether in the shower, in the car, or gathered with others, prayer keeps us connected to God’s heart and opens us to His guidance and peace. [48:59]

Luke 5:16 (ESV)
But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.

Reflection: Where and when can you set aside intentional time today to talk honestly with God, following Jesus’ example of seeking the Father in prayer?

Day 4: Living by God’s Word—Hearing and Obeying Scripture

God’s Word is foundational for our walk with Him, providing guidance, correction, and nourishment for our souls. Jesus demonstrated the importance of Scripture by quoting it in times of temptation and relying on it as the ultimate authority. We are called not only to read the Bible but to digest it, study it, and put it into practice in our daily lives. In a world full of competing voices, Scripture anchors us in God’s truth and helps us discern His will, even when it challenges our own desires or the culture around us. [55:21]

Matthew 4:4 (ESV)
But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Reflection: What is one passage of Scripture you can meditate on today, allowing God’s Word to shape your thoughts and actions?

Day 5: Relying on the Holy Spirit—God’s Presence and Power Within Us

The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to every believer, guiding, teaching, and empowering us to live out our faith. Jesus promised that the Spirit would remind us of His words, help us understand God’s will, and give us the strength to face life’s challenges. When we pray and seek the Spirit’s presence, we receive comfort, wisdom, and power to be conduits of God’s love and grace in the world. Each day, we are invited to ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, trusting that God delights to give His Spirit to those who seek Him. [01:01:37]

Luke 11:13 (ESV)
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!

Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to lead and empower you in a specific area of your life today?

Sermon Summary

In this season of focusing on steps of faith, the call is to consider what it truly means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. The vision at Asbury is encapsulated in the word “grow”—gathering in community, raising up the next generation, focusing outward, and, today, turning our attention to walking with God. This walk is not a passive journey but an intentional, daily commitment, modeled after figures like Enoch, who “walked faithfully with God” and was set apart by his dedication.

Walking with God is not a one-time decision but a continuous, intentional pursuit. Enoch’s story reminds us that a life set apart for God is marked by faithfulness and a deliberate choice to journey with Him every day. This intentionality is crucial; without it, even the most passionate servant can become weary and lose sight of the source of strength. The call is to make a plan, to focus on carrying it out, and, when life inevitably disrupts our rhythm, to intentionally return to the path.

There are four foundational ways to walk with God: worship, prayer, engagement with Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Worship is more than singing or attending services; it is an act of humility, acknowledging God’s greatness and responding with love and devotion. Prayer is the ongoing conversation with God, not reserved for the eloquent but open to all who simply speak from the heart. Scripture is the living word that sustains, guides, and challenges us, and it must be central in our lives, both individually and as a community. The Holy Spirit is the ever-present guide, comforter, and source of power, enabling us to live out our faith and face life’s challenges with hope and strength.

This journey is not meant to be walked alone. Each person is invited to serve, to build up the church, and to reach beyond its walls, becoming conduits of God’s love and grace. Communion is a tangible reminder of this walk—a moment to receive grace, remember Christ’s sacrifice, and recommit to an intentional relationship with God. In all things, the invitation is to walk faithfully, to grow, and to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.

Key Takeaways

1. Intentionality in Walking with God A faithful walk with God does not happen by accident; it requires deliberate planning and persistent effort. Like Enoch, whose life was set apart after a pivotal moment, we must regularly assess and renew our commitment to journey with God, especially when life’s busyness threatens to distract us. Intentionality means making space for God, returning to Him when we stray, and dedicating ourselves anew each day. [39:20]
2. Worship as an Act of Humility and Love True worship is more than outward expression; it is a posture of the heart that bows before God, recognizing His sovereignty and responding with gratitude. Worship shapes our identity as God’s people, reminding us of His provision and love, and it fuels our desire to serve and give back. In worship, we are both humbled and lifted, finding our place in God’s story. [46:15]
3. Prayer: Honest, Ongoing Conversation with God Prayer is not reserved for the eloquent or the spiritually mature; it is the simple, honest communication between Creator and creation. Jesus modeled a life of prayer, withdrawing to quiet places and praying for Himself, others, and even His enemies. Through prayer, we express gratitude, confess our shortcomings, and invite God’s presence into every aspect of our lives, cultivating intimacy and dependence on Him. [49:31]
4. Scripture as the Foundation for Life and Faith Engaging with God’s Word is essential for spiritual growth and discernment. Scripture is not just a source of knowledge but the living voice of God, guiding us through life’s complexities and grounding us in truth. Regular study, reflection, and discussion with others help us navigate the tension between the world’s values and God’s kingdom, ensuring that our walk is rooted in His promises. [56:33]
5. The Holy Spirit: Our Guide, Teacher, and Source of Power Walking with God is impossible without the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit teaches, convicts, comforts, and empowers us to live out our calling, reminding us of Jesus’ words and guiding us through every challenge. By daily inviting the Holy Spirit to lead, we become conduits of God’s love and agents of His kingdom in the world. [60:49]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[28:25] - Global Vision: Making Disciples Worldwide
[29:05] - The Vision of “Grow” at Asbury
[29:32] - Community, Service, and Commitment Cards
[30:45] - Serving Opportunities and Needs
[32:58] - Walking with God: Introducing Enoch
[34:30] - Enoch’s Story: A Life Set Apart
[39:20] - The Power of Intentionality
[43:46] - Worship: The Foundation of Walking with God
[47:59] - The Importance of Prayer
[53:49] - Listening to God’s Word
[59:04] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[63:15] - Communion: Receiving Grace for the Journey
[67:14] - Prayers for Unity and Mission
[71:03] - Invitation to Walk Faithfully with God

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Genesis 5:21-24 (ESV) — > When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.

Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV) — > Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
> let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
> For he is our God,
> and we are the people of his pasture,
> and the sheep of his hand.

John 14:26 (ESV) — > But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Observation Questions

According to Genesis 5, what set Enoch apart from the other people listed in his family line? ([35:20])
In Psalm 95, what physical actions are connected to worship, and what do they represent? ([46:15])
What does Jesus promise about the Holy Spirit in John 14:26, and what is the Spirit’s role? ([59:39])
The sermon described four foundational ways to walk with God. What are they? ([43:23])

Interpretation Questions

Enoch’s life changed after the birth of his son. What might this say about how life events can prompt us to become more intentional in our walk with God? ([40:19])
The act of bowing down in worship is described as humility. Why is humility important in our relationship with God, and how does it shape our worship? ([46:15])
The sermon says prayer is for everyone, not just the eloquent. How does this understanding of prayer change the way people might approach talking to God? ([52:00])
Jesus said the Holy Spirit would teach and remind us of everything he said. How might relying on the Holy Spirit help us when we face challenges or confusion in our faith? ([59:39])

Application Questions

The sermon emphasized being intentional in our walk with God, making a plan, and returning to it when we get off track. What is one specific way you can be more intentional this week in your relationship with God? ([39:20])
Worship was described as more than singing—it’s about humility and gratitude. Is there a part of your life where you struggle to humble yourself before God? What would it look like to surrender that area in worship? ([46:15])
Prayer is described as simple, honest conversation. If you find prayer difficult, what is one small step you could take to make prayer a more regular part of your day? ([52:00])
The sermon talked about engaging with Scripture as the foundation for life and faith. What is your current habit of reading the Bible? Is there a new practice or plan you want to try to make Scripture more central in your life? ([56:33])
The Holy Spirit is our guide and source of power. When was the last time you specifically asked the Holy Spirit to lead you in a decision or situation? How can you invite the Spirit’s guidance more intentionally this week? ([01:00:49])
The journey of faith is not meant to be walked alone. Is there a way you can serve or encourage someone else in their walk with God this week? ([32:28])
Communion is a time to remember Christ’s sacrifice and recommit to walking with God. How does participating in communion affect your sense of connection to God and to others in the church? ([01:03:15])

Sermon Clips

The Hebrew word for walking with God means to go or to follow continuously. This wasn't Enoch deciding just to. To be a believer for one day, for the rest of his life. This wasn't Enoch saying, yeah, God's God. And I'm going to acknowledge that this is Enoch being intentional. To walk faithfully, to follow continuously, to devote his life to God. And so that's the message for us today. [00:42:26] (39 seconds) #prayerascommunication

Worship is about praise and giving thanksgiving to the one who was and is and will be the one who created us, the one who gives us life, the One who gives us all the blessings that we can count in our life. And we need to worship him back. Why fill out a serve card? Because God has done so much for us that we want to do everything we can for God and his church. Right? Why do we have this season annually of thinking about what it means to be a disciple with our time, our talents, our treasure. Because of what God's done for us, we want to give back all that we can to help expand God's kingdom and worship Is that devotion. [00:44:37] (51 seconds) #holyspiritguidance

Jesus said, love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, strength and soul. Right? With your whole being, Love God. And that's the very essence of worship. As we sing those songs, we're not just singing for all to hear. We are singing to love our God. As we hear God's word and as we process it, we are processing. We're hearing a love language from our God speaking into our lives. [00:45:28] (29 seconds) #faithfulpowerwalk

A second point if we're going to walk faithfully with God, is we need to pray. It's not just God talking to us. If you're going to have a relationship with anybody, a spouse, a friend at school, if you're going to have a relationship with a friend, a relationship at work, a relationship at your favorite restaurant or your favorite gas station, you've got to talk to people, right? You've got to communicate. I know a lot of times we communicate with that device, right? That's still a form of communication. But prayer is our communication with God. It's how we walk with God. It's how we talk with God. [00:48:00] (47 seconds)

So important for us to be convicted in our walk of faith and to daily let God, let Jesus purify our soul. Oh, I didn't talk well to my wife, my kids, right? I screamed and said a bad word at the dog, right? You go through the whole list, right? And you purify yourself, right? And so prayer, so important in our walk of faith, may we not take it for granted. [00:53:11] (29 seconds)

What that means, friends, is this book is important. This book is vital. It's foundational. John Wesley, the founder, considered the father of the people called Methodists, and certainly of the people called Global Methodists, said this. He said, let me be a man of one book. And he was talking about this book here, Let me be a man of one book, of reading it, digesting it, studying it, putting it into practice in his life. For us as a church, it's in our very tradition, in our heritage that scripture has primacy over anything else. And so may it be that for us. [00:55:17] (50 seconds)

Friends, if we're going to walk faithfully with God, we've got to understand the Holy Spirit that it's Jesus Spirit with us to guide us, to convict us, to teach us, help us understand everything that he said. That's who we pray to. The Holy Spirit hears our prayers. We're going to have another verse in just a second about that. As we read through the scripture, what voice are we hearing from God? His Spirit. The Holy Spirit. Right? He teaches us about the kingdom. He teaches us who we are and whose we are and what we're called to do. And to say the Holy Spirit is so important for us every day to wake up and say, lord, here I am. Holy Spirit, here I am. Use me, Lord. Lead me, guide me. Speak to me. Today the Holy Spirit is so important. If we're going to walk faithfully with God, we can't do it without the Spirit's power. [01:00:16] (67 seconds)

When we pray, when we walk faithfully with God in His word, we receive more power from him. To Help us with the challenges of life, with challenges at school, challenges at work, challenges at home. When we pray and tap into God's power, it gives us comfort and peace. When we're grieving the loss of loved ones or grieving some loss in our life, it could be a marriage, it could be a family member, it could be a relationship, could be a job. And so we need to constantly walk faithfully and be intentional. That word, make a plan, carry it out so that the power of God can continue to work in and through us. We are called to be conduits of the Holy Spirit. [01:02:01] (55 seconds)

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