Walking with Jesus

The Why, When, and How of Walking with Jesus

Pastor Calvin Cook
July 20, 2026 – Day 11 of 40

Scripture:
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” — Isaiah 30:21

It is Monday morning—no surprise—it arrives every week. Over the years, Monday mornings have become a time for me to reflect on the week that has passed. I pause to give thanks and praise for God’s blessings and victories, seek forgiveness for the moments that separated me from walking closely with Jesus, and most of all ask how I can walk with Him more faithfully in the days ahead.

One of the thoughts that always circles through my mind on Monday morning is worship from the day before. Did I truly honor God with my worship, my words, and my willingness to allow the Holy Spirit to take control?

Yesterday I preached from the book of Jude, focusing especially on verses 17–23. Jude reminds us to persevere through everything that seeks to separate us from God’s love and from a faithful walk with Jesus—a walk empowered by the Holy Spirit.

As I concluded the message, I felt led to share a very personal and intimate moment from my prayer time early Sunday morning. At 4:50 a.m., while spending quiet time with the Lord, I wrote these words in my bedside journal as I sensed the Holy Spirit speaking to my heart:

1. Return to the intimacy of God.
2. Make your relationship with God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—the highest priority in your life.
3. Allow the insignificant to become the significant.

I paused and reflected on those three simple statements. Whether we call them instructions, priorities, virtues, or simply reminders, each one challenged me to go deeper in my own walk with Jesus. Too often my walk becomes centered on what I want rather than what God desires for me and from me.

This morning those words have reminded me that our lives—as individuals, as couples, as churches, and as the people of God—are often not fully surrendered. We sometimes seek our destination rather than God’s destination. We prefer our plans over His leading.

Perhaps that is why Isaiah 30:21 has rested so heavily on my heart today. Walking with Jesus is not a solitary journey, nor is it simply a path that takes us where we want to go. It is a life of surrender, listening for His voice, and trusting Him to lead us to the place He has prepared for us.

“This is the way; walk in it.”

So today, keep walking with Jesus. Listen carefully for His voice. Remember that wherever you are and whatever lies ahead, you do not walk alone. The Holy Spirit is still leading those who are willing to listen and follow.

I have a feeling we will return to these three areas of focus in the days ahead. Until then, may we keep walking with Jesus—one faithful step at a time.