Steps

By Gregg Miles

Psalms 37:23 -  The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord...

 

Matthew Henry said about this scripture:

By his grace and Holy Spirit he directs the thoughts, affections, and designs of good men. He has all hearts in his hand, but the good man’s is by their own consent. By his providence he overrules the events that concern them, so as to make their way plain before them, both what they should do and what they may expect.

 

If there is one thing we have learned in beginning an institution of higher learning is that the process is a series of small steps.
 

Sometimes forward, sometimes backward.
 

When I look back at my life I can see the steps that have led me to where I am in a position to use my skills to begin a worthwhile endeavor for Christ.

 

• A Step - I was raised in home where servitude was lived daily not just talked about on Sunday

  • You didn’t attend church, you were on the platform

  • You didn’t come to church work day, you led it

  • You didn’t attend a night of revival, you drove all over the country seeking out revivals and camp meetings.

• A Step - Saved at an early age before my life could be scarred.

• A Step - I was taught that church was my life, not just attending...but every aspect

  • many of my vacations have been spent at Camp meetings, gospel concerts, events that center around my christian walk

  • I think it’s vital (and I’m sure most of you do too)  that your children (and you) realize that Christianity isn’t something you do on Sunday but makes up every facet of your life

• A Step - Growing up, my parents made sure I was surrounded by people who lived and breathed holiness...it wasn’t optional in my mind.

• A Step - Those people greatly influenced me early in my life. I sought their wisdom as I made life's toughest choices.

 

 

When it came to my professional life the steps were evident as well

• A Step - Dad said you are going to college...figure out how

• A Step - As a senior in a public school, I was asked to teach kindergarteners and was successful, that sparked a desire to teach.

• A Step - My spiritual walk was the single biggest influence on my vocation choice. I chose a profession that wouldn’t conflict with my spiritual walk.

• A Step - I did well in college. I always knew I was not only representing me, but my family, my church and my God.

• More steps -

  • started out as an elementary school teacher,

  • middle school teacher,

  • received my Master’s,

  • high school Media Specialist,

  • now an Instructional Technology Specialist with a Specialist degree…

  • Teaching classes at GSU

• I could look back and say that “I made it all happen”, that I did it for personal growth but I realize that every step I took from a young man in Bro Deryl Sapp’s 3 member Sunday School class to present day have been ordered by the Lord…

 

If they have been ordered, then they have a purpose

• I believe that Purpose has culminated in assisting in creating  an accredited Holiness college in Savannah

 

Our steps as a church

• As you look back on your life I’m sure you can see the steps that God ordered for you.

• As a church, we can look back and see steps that God has ordered for us.

• When I got my Master’s Degree in 2003 I think I was the only person...save Bro Ryan in the church that had a degree higher than a bachelor’s

• Now there a multiple people with various degrees, especially in Bible and Education.

• It’s not coincidence that we have an unusually high number of people with Education degrees, others are working toward it...I think it was a step

• It’s not a coincidence that we have a pastor that has a vision, connections and the ability to head up the project...I think it was a step

• It’s not a coincidence that the land next door became available at a fraction of the original cost...I think it was a step

• It’s not a coincidence that we have as strong a youth group as I’ve ever seen.

  • They should remind us weekly what can be done with young people who are sold out to God

• These are all steps...some a decade or more in the making...that have led us to this place as a church

 

The future

• Even if steps are ordered by the Lord.. doesn’t mean that it isn’t scary or always smooth...but they are purposeful... always ending in God’s complete will

• There will be decisions,ups and downs…

• But, We have the chance to influence the Holiness movement, this world and eternity…..

• Luke 12:48 - To whom much is given much is required.

  • We have been given much, let’s make the most of it….

 

If the steps have been ordered, then they have a purpose

• “Our purpose is clear, the time is now”

• I can’t wait to see where these ordered steps will take us...