YESTERDAY WE HAD SNOW. Now, all you living in areas that get a lot of snow, do not laugh at us. Our city shuts down when it snows because we do not have all the snow equipment other cities have. We are never prepared for snow and ice. Yesterday was one of these days. Our school was originally two hours late, but then was canceled.

We follow the school district our church is in. This in turn shut down our Tuesday morning Bible study and subsequent meeting. What did we do? Matt, Faith and I went on a run. It is fun to run in powder, but yesterday is was a mixture of packed snow and ice. It was slippery. Here, it snows then rains then freezes. Mornings can be precarious. When it’s slippery like it was yesterday, you have to be actively and mentally engaged with your steps. You also use different muscles when you run in these conditions. You have to slow down and be mindful of your foot placement. I’m drawing some parallels if you’re paying attention.

We are in a time of great deception. Scripture warns us of the end time deception. Before 2020, the Spirit showed me a dark spiritual fog coming that was going to make it very difficult to see clearly. In fact, Jesus warns us of the end time deception more than once. “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matt ‭24:24

‬) ‭The sentence structure in the original language does not imply an impossibility of deception; but rather signifies the difficulty of deceiving the elect, not impossibility. “The elect” are Christians, true followers of Jesus, and members of his Church. These may fall from the faith because of the great deception that will occur, IF they do not watch their steps and are not diligent to obey and hold fast to His Word. We are in these days and deception will grow worse. Back to running on ice: we are in a time of paying strict attention to our foot placement.

“My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.” Psalm‬ ‭17‬:‭5‬ ‭

“My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside.” Job‬ ‭23‬:‭11‬ ‭

No, it is not all on you. God will hold me as I endeavor to watch my steps. He’s given me His Word and His Spirit to help me and keep my feet firmly planted. But what are things that pertain to you? You have a part and must partner with the Spirit. The psalmist says, “I have purposed that I will not sin with my mouth and I will avoid the ways of the violent and wicked man”. Job says, “I will keep Your word and not turn aside. I will not depart from Your commandment. I treasure Your words above food.”

All these require purposeful steps, “I have purposed in my heart that I will obey all His commands.” The fear of the Lord will keep my feet firmly planted on that path. But run without aim and purpose and you will find yourself falling hard. Lack the fear of God and you will quickly slip away. Disregard your steps and you can get off that narrow path. It is happening by millions. The great apostasy is transpiring. Grace does not mean I can go my own way and do my own thing. God forbid! I partner with the Spirit of grace in obedience. I watch my steps and He holds me firm. His Word lights up the path so I can see clearly. Keep yourself engaged with your steps and always wear a good pair of running shoes.

#runyourrace

To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page