My Walk
(Recipe: Pumpkin Bars)

What has your walk looked like this week? Did you walk in “newness of life”? As you faced difficulties and frustrations, did you notice a new attitude, a new approach, a more “quiet and gentle spirit”? As I dealt with the affects of “Hurricane Sandy”, losing power and the frustrations that come with that, I noticed I wasn’t bothered or troubled by the inconvenience as I might have been. I simply made do with what I had, and laughed through the experience.

The Bible has more to say regarding our “walk”. I find some of these verses to be rather challenging, almost a seemingly impossible command to obey, and yet we know there is no command of God given to man, that is either difficult or a burden to keep. 1 John 5:3 says, “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,” (NIV). May I challenge you with some of these “walk” commands. (all taken from the NKJV)

3 John 4 – “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” Is your daily walk a walk in truth?

1 John 2:6 – “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” When I consider how and where I walk during any given week, I have to admit it is not always the way Jesus would walk. He would walk to the stranger and begin a conversation with them. I, more than likely, would walk away from the stranger. Jesus would personally get involved with the homeless and down-trodden. I would send a check for someone else to get involved. How about you? Do you walk as Jesus would walk 24/7?

Colossians 4:5-6 – “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” I wonder? Those you are on the “outside”, (the unbeliever, those different than me, those who have opinions different from mine) when they look at me, do they see a woman of wisdom, whose speech is filled with grace; whose answers are seasoned with salt? Does my speech reflect the fact that Jesus lives in me? How do you speak to the “outsider” around you?

Galatians 5:25 – “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Friend, are you living in the Spirit? Is the Spirit your guide? Are you sensitive to his voice? Do you obey him, or do you grieve him? Jesus left us with a remarkable gift when he ascended into heaven. His wonderful Holy Spirit. There is no greater joy in our Christian life than to walk in harmony with this Gift – this Holy Spirit. He is there to lead me, guide me, encourage me, cheer me on, yes, and even convict me. Am I living in close harmony with him, so close I easily recognize his voice when He speaks? So close I have no choice but to listen to his voice?

For additional thoughts on our "walk" with Christ, consider these verses: Colossians 1:10, Ephesians 5:15, Ephesians 5:8, Ephesians 5:2, Ephesians 4:1,
2 Corinthians 5:7. (Note: some versions translate walk as live).

God bless you as you strive to walk a godly walk with Jesus, becoming more like him each and every day.

Pumpkin Bars

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup butter, melted 1 cup white sugar
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups chopped walnuts

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch pan. Stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Mix in the pumpkin then beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cut into bars and serve warm or cooled.