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Just a Closer Walk

A Devotional Journey Through John’s Gospel in 2025

Getting Closer to Jesus: More than anything, we were created for an intimate relationship with God. Now, there are undoubtedly other things that will please God and bring glory to him through our lives, but nothing is more honoring to the Creator than to walk in a close, personal, and loving relationship with him.

According to the Bible, the only way that gets expressed is by knowing Jesus: by being in an all-consuming, life-altering journey that comes from persistently hanging out with Jesus as his devotee. The Apostle John, the one who knew and loved Jesus as much as any human being ever, said this was, in itself, eternal life.

Acts 4:13 shows us the inevitable outcome of being in that kind of intimate, persistent, loving relationship: “When the Jewish council saw Peter and John’s courage and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”

Peter and John had simply “been with Jesus” until they looked and acted increasingly like him—they had assumed his mindset, absorbed his characteristics, and expressed his behavior. They had hung out so intensely with Jesus that they had absorbed him to the point they were now exuding him without even thinking about it. They had been transformed through that relationship and conformed to that relationship!

That is what you and I were created to experience: A relationship with Jesus whereby his life gets transmitted to us and through us so that we begin to communicate the infectious DNA of Jesus Christ.

You may not have a religious pedigree or be well-versed in theology. You may not be naturally winsome, or articulate, or even all that likeable. Your “cool factor” may be pretty much non-existent. Maybe you lack more than you have. That doesn’t matter! What you do have trumps all you don’t have: You have every possibility that Peter and John had to “be with Jesus”.

That is the greatest goal you can have—that at the end of the day, the only thing people can do with you is to take note that you have been with Jesus. They may not like you or be impressed with you, and they may wish you would just go away. But when it is all said and done, all they can do with you is to admit, “Obviously, you have been hanging out with Jesus!”

Make that your goal today. And then start hanging with Jesus. Pure and simple—that is eternal life!

You were made for that! The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:29, “From the beginning God decided that those who came to Him should become like His Son.” That is God’s inexorable plan: to make you like Jesus! He is orchestrating everything in your life right now for that purpose—circumstances, disappointments, temptations, opportunities, blessings. At this very moment, God is leveraging heaven’s resources to conform your character to Christ’s. That ought to give you confidence. As A.W. Tozer noted,

When I understand that everything happening to me is to make me more Christlike, it resolves a great deal of anxiety.

So your journey into Christlikeness is not all up to you! God is rearranging heaven and moving earth to give you the opportunity to be with Jesus—and to become like Jesus.

Yet divine transformation needs human collaboration. In a way, being with Jesus is on you! It is not just a mindset or a good intention. It is an intentional posture. As much as anything, to get intentional with your growth toward Christlikeness will require of you the daily practice of being with Jesus.

I would simply suggest that each day—and throughout the day—you literally invite Jesus to join you in what is in front of you. Literally ask Jesus, “How would you handle this situation? What do you think about this opportunity? What should I do about this challenge? How would you respond to this person?” Just practice being with Jesus in the ordinary moments of your daily life.

To get practical with this, think about it this way: If you were to literally spend time with Jesus, what three attributes, attitudes, and or actions would you witness in him? Here is what I think Jesus would be doing on any one of his ordinary days:

  1. Jesus would be unbendingly truthful yet incredibly gracious with people.
  2. Jesus would serve people—especially those we would consider the least worthy of his service.
  3. Jesus, even when he was treated unfairly, would never retaliate; he would only offer love and grace in return.

Gracious, serving, forgiving—there are thousands of descriptives I could come up with—you too. So take a moment and write down the first three qualities of Jesus that come to your mind. Then your assignment this week will be to intentionally hang out with Jesus, consciously and consistently doing those three things you wrote down that you believe Jesus would do. Give that your best shot, and most likely, you will look a little more like Christ by this time next week!

And maybe people will take note that you have been with Jesus.

Take the Next Step: There are several spiritual disciplines that are obvious and essential to being with and becoming like Jesus: Consistent quiet times, Bible reading, Scripture memory, prayer, and church attendance. I can’t encourage you enough to commit to those spiritual routines! One of the things I will be doing in 2025—and I would like to invite you to join me—is to slowly and intentionally read through the writings of the Apostle John, the one who knew and loved Jesus as much as anyone. So, start with me on January 1 in the Gospel of John, and let the journey toward Christlikeness begin.

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Praise the Lord

Everything That Has Breath Should Do It!

PREVIEW: Our God is worthy of praise! At all times, in each place, and through every means, the highest and best use of the breath of life with which God gifted us is that we would in turn offer praise with it to the great and glorious One, the Creator and Sustainer of all. Praise the Lord! That is not only the message of this final psalm, but it is really the underlying call to all 150 of them. From the beginning to the end of this amazing songbook for the human race, different psalmists have taken us by the hand and walked us through the whole gamut of life’s circumstances. They have masterfully drawn us into the cornucopia of emotions that attend those human experiences, and they have reminded us that through all of our ups and downs, victories and defeats, good times and bad times, joys and sorrows, the one thing that remains constant is God’s worthiness to be worshipped. So, go ahead and give God now what he will ultimately receive from all creation—praise!

Praise the Lord - Ray Noah Blog

A Journey of Worship // Psalm 150:6

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

Our God is worthy of praise! At all times, in each place, and through every means, the highest and best use of the breath of life with which God gifted us is that we would in turn offer praise with it to the great and glorious One, the Creator and Sustainer of all. Praise the Lord!

That is not only the message of this final psalm, but it is really the underlying call to all 150 of them. From the beginning to the end of this amazing songbook for the human race, different psalmists have taken us by the hand and walked us through the whole gamut of life’s circumstances. They have masterfully drawn us into the cornucopia of emotions that attend those human experiences, and they have reminded us that through all of our ups and downs, victories and defeats, good times and bad times, joys and sorrows, the one thing that remains constant is God’s worthiness to be worshipped.

No matter what, God is ceaseless in his power and surpassingly great: “Praise him for his mighty works, praise his unequaled greatness!” (Psalm 150:2)

No matter what, God is loving and faithful: “All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.” (Psalm 25:10)

No matter what, God is good and kind: “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8)

No matter what, God is just and fair: “The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.” (Psalm 103:6)

No matter what, God is with you and for you: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. (Psalm 23:1-4)

No matter what, if you are God’s and God is yours, you are going to be just fine: “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

John Newton, author is Amazing Grace, wrote, “The Lord himself is our Keeper. Nothing befalls us but what is adjusted by His wisdom and love. He will, in one way or another, sweeten every bitter cup, and ere long He will wipe away all tears from our eyes.” Psalm 30:11 declares of God, “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.”

That is why under every circumstance and with every breath, we can praise the Lord.

No matter what things may look like, no matter what man may say, no matter what Satan may throw at you, no matter what you may feel, God is still God, he is always victorious, his will shall be done on earth, his purposes for you shall be fulfilled, and he is therefore always worthy of your praise. So, go ahead and give God now what he will ultimately receive from all creation—praise!

Let everything that has breath—that means you—let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Yes, praise the Lord!

My Offering of Worship: Using the verse from the Psalms quoted above, spend some time each day this week to offer a sacrifice of praise to your Creator and Sustainer.

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The Tables Will Be Turned

Divine Justice Requires Divine Judgment

PREVIEW: God’s people have been the victims of injustice for far too long, but the day is coming when they will be not only victorious, but the administrators of justice upon this evil world, With humility and through indignity, the saints of God have borne the yoke of oppression, but when Christ returns to set up his Father’s righteous rule on the earth, it will be with glory, praise. and joy that his people will carry out just punishment upon those who have served Satan’s purposes. Now that kind of militant talk may make you a bit uncomfortable. You prefer to love your enemies and pray for those who have persecuted you. And rightly so. That is our assignment for the time being. But Divine justice will come to this world. It has to, or God isn’t just and righteous. And when justice finally arrives, you and I will lift our voice in praise, and along with all the saints and the heavenly hosts, say, “Just and true are your judgments, O Lord.” (Revelation 16:7)

The Tables Will Be Turned - Ray Noah Blog

A Journey of Worship // Psalm 149:6-9

Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands—to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with shackles and their leaders with iron chains, to execute the judgment written against them. This is the glorious privilege of his faithful ones.

God’s people have been the victims of injustice for far too long, but the day is coming when they will be not only victorious but the administrators of justice upon this evil world, according to Psalm 149:6-9. With humility and through indignity, the saints of God have borne the yoke of oppression, but when Christ returns to set up his Father’s righteous rule on the earth, it will be with glory, praise, and joy that his people will carry out just punishment upon those who have served Satan’s purposes. (Psalm 149:1-5)

Now that kind of militant talk may make you a bit uncomfortable. You prefer to love your enemies and pray for those who have persecuted you. You are more accustomed to thinking in terms of forgiveness and reconciliation, peace and tolerance than judgment. And rightly so. That is our assignment for the time being.

But at the proper time, Divine justice calls for Divine judgment. Divine judgment is only right and fair when you consider the cruelty and wickedness that has been carried out against the people of God throughout the centuries. Just think of what the nation of Israel, the Jews, have endured—not the least of which was the horror of the Holocaust. Even to this day, people living in Israel wake up to the reality that most of the world hates them and wishes they didn’t exist.

And what about the church? Anywhere between one hundred to three hundred thousand believers are killed each year throughout the world for nothing more than believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Daily, in other parts of the world, the saints are mistreated, suffer economic persecution, if not outright terrorism, endure beatings, rape, and imprisonment by the thousands. Just because we don’t see those horrors here in the Western world does not mean it is not happening elsewhere—or won’t happen here someday.

Yes, Divine justice is coming to this world. It has to, or God isn’t just and righteous. And when justice finally arrives, you and I will lift our voice in praise, and along with all the saints and the heavenly hosts, say, “Just and true are your judgments, O Lord.” (Revelation 16:7)

Yes, the day is coming, sooner than you think, when the tables will be turned, and the saints of God will be in charge. God’s justice demands it; God’s fairness ensures it.

And thank God, by his grace and mercy, through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, you and I will be on the right side of the table!

My Offering of Worship: Knowing that God’s justice will require sinners to face his judgment, let’s do what Jesus called us to do until his return: love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. After all, the best way to deal with our enemies is to turn them into friends of God.

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It Is Only Fitting That “They” Praise

You and I—That Is Who “They” Are

PREVIEW: Whatever was created—which pretty well covers it—owes its existence to the word of the Lord. He spoke, and out of nothing, “they” were created: Angels, heavenly beings, solar systems, weather patterns, geological formations, plant and animal life, rulers and authorities, along with “young men and maidens, old men and children.” (Psalm 148:12) I think it’s safe to say, you and I are included in this list. That is who “they” are. And isn’t it only right and fitting that “they” should offer continual and heartfelt praise to the One who created them?

It Is Only Fitting That “They” Praise - Ray Noah Blog

A Journey of Worship // Psalm 148:5-7,13

Let every created thing give praise to the Lord, for he issued his command, and they came into being. He set them in place forever and ever. His decree will never be revoked. Praise the Lord from the earth, you creatures … Let them all praise the name of the Lord. For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven!

The writer of this psalm tells us that “they” should praise the Lord since it was He who spoke the word, and “they” were created. So who in the world is “they”?

Have you ever heard people refer to “they” when they are talking? “They” did this; “they” did that; “they” want this; “they” want that. I call that the “ubiquitous they”—everybody in general and no one in particular. The psalmist is referring to the “ubiquitous they.” In this case, everybody and each one!

Whatever was created—which pretty well covers it—owes its existence to the word of the Lord. He spoke, and out of nothing, “they” were created: Angels, heavenly beings, solar systems, weather patterns, geological formations, plant and animal life, rulers and authorities, along with “young men and maidens, old men and children.” (Psalm 148:12) I think it’s safe to say, you and I are included in this list. That is who “they” are.

Now, isn’t it only right and fitting that “they” should offer continual and heartfelt praise to the One who created them? Unfortunately, and unbelievably, many of “them” have turned from worshipping He who created them and worship what He created instead.

They” traded the truth about God for a lie. So, they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. (Romans 1:25)

How absurd is that!

But you can change that—me too! Let’s do what we were created to do. As we go about our day, let’s make it our aim to lift up praise to the name of the Lord in all that we say, in every thought we think, and in whatever we do. If you and I will do that, at least two of “them” will do what “they” should be doing!

My Offering of Worship: As you go about your day, make it your aim to lift praise to the name of the Lord in all that you say, in every thought that you think, and in whatever you do. As the Apostle Paul said, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Col. 3:17)

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What To Give Someone Who Has Everything

Our Fear and Hope—That’s What Impresses God

PREVIEW: What can a created being give to a Creator who has it all, who knows it all, and who does it all? Only your fear and your hope: “He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might. No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.” (Psalm 147:10-11) What satisfies God to the core of his being is the fear that arises not out of terror but from the kind of reverence and respect that comes from knowing that he is the giver and sustainer of life itself, the rightful owner of Planet Earth, and rightful ruler of your life—and based on that, places unmitigated trust in his wisdom and goodness.

What To Give Someone Who Has Everything - Ray Noah Blog

A Journey of Worship // Psalm 147:10-11

God takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might. No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.

I love the way the Message translates these verses: “God is not impressed with horsepower; the size of our muscles means little to him. Those who fear God get God’s attention; they can depend on his strength.”

How do you make God happy? He has everything he wants, and he can create what he doesn’t have.

God is all-powerful—after all, he even created all the stars and calls them each by name: “He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.” (Psalm 147:4)

God knows everything there is to know—there is no limit to either his power or his understanding: “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” (Psalm 147:5)

God has even ordered provision for the daily needs of his earthly creatures: “He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.” (Psalm 147:8-9)

So accurately, abundantly, and consistently does God care for the earth’s higher inhabitants so that their utter and ceaseless gratitude to him is only fitting: “Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp.” (Psalm 147:7)

God has fixed up this little globe called Earth to run amazingly well, sustaining its ecological systems: “He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He spreads the snow like wool?and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles.?Who can withstand his icy blast? He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.” (Psalm 147:15-18)

What, then, can a created being give to a Creator who has it all, who knows it all, and who does it all? Only your fear and your hope: “He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might. No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.” (Psalm 147:10-11)

What satisfies God to the core of his being is the fear that arises not out of terror, but from the kind of reverence and respect that comes from knowing that he is the giver and sustainer of life itself, the rightful owner of Planet Earth, and rightful ruler of your life.

What causes God pleasure is the hope that looks to him for protection, peace, and provision: “For he strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses your people within you. He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.” (Psalm 147:13-14)

What causes God pleasure is the patience that waits for him to execute justice and fairness: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

What causes God pleasure is trust that expects him to fulfill his good purposes to all those who belong to him: “He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel. He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws.” (Psalm 147:19-20).

What gift can you offer to the one Being who truly has it all? Just your very life, that’s all.

Do you want to bring a smile to God’s face today? I think you know what to do!

My Offering of Worship: Offer up a prayer of heartfelt reverence and unmitigated hope to God today,. That will bring a smile to his face.

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Make Every Day Thanksgiving Day – You’ll Be Grateful You Did

Practice Gratitude - It Opens the Door To More of God's Goodness

Today is Thanksgiving Day, so offer thanks to God with your whole heart! It will not only make God smile, it will do you some good, too. Bruce Chapman said it well: “Gratitude has been called the gateway to the virtues. As Cicero put it, ‘Gratitude is not only the greatest of the virtues, but the parent of all others,’ opening the heart to deeper appreciation, compassion, repentance, forgiveness, generosity, and wisdom. Giving thanks should be cultivated as a habit. It is a kind of “therapy for the spirit.” Try some “thanks therapy” today – you’ll be grateful you did.

Thanksgiving Therapy //  Luke 17:15-17

One of the lepers, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine?”

Every generation of parents ask a question of their children. It’s more of a prompting than a question. After receiving a gift or a favor, parents ask, “What do you say?” Of course, the expected response is, “thank you!”

That routine was repeated in my home when I was a child. My mother would ask me, “What do you say to Grammie for her brownies?” Now she didn’t really want my honest opinion—she would have gone postal if I had said, “Grammie, where in the name of heaven did you learn how to bake brownies? Every year they’re as hard as a rock! One of these times someone’s going to break a tooth.” My mom didn’t really care what I thought; she simply wanted a response of gratitude to show my acknowledgment for Grammie’s kindness and effort.

Parents still want their children to show gratitude even if their children don’t feel grateful. They want them to learn to offer thanks simply because it’s the right thing to do. Why? Simply because every human being lives with a debt of gratitude, owing thanks to someone for something. Of course, parents hope their kids won’t just parrot words of gratitude; they hope that the exercise of gratitude now will one day produce authentically grateful people.

And that is exactly what our Heavenly Father hopes for each of us! That is why you can’t go far into the Bible without a reference or an admonition to be thankful, as in this story of the ten lepers.

The ability to express gratitude is one of the fundamental signs of a redeemed life and a growing spirituality. To give thanks is one of the highest callings we have and one of the most self-benefiting things we can do. It keeps us from being self-absorbed. It produces an eternal perspective. It reminds us of how blessed we really are. It creates a perspective that sees that all of life is a gift.

At the end of each day G. K. Chesterton would say, “Here ends another day, during which I have had eyes, ears, hands [to experience this] great world around me. Tomorrow begins another day. Why am I allowed two?” That’s why Ambrose, Bishop of Milan said, “No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.” It keeps you focused on God’s goodness and not on yourself. And best of all, gratitude opens the door for more:

To be thankful for what we have received…is the surest way to receive more. (Andrew Murray)

So why not practice a little gratitude today! You’ll be grateful you did!

Practice Gratitude: Write a list of 10 things from this past week for which you are thankful. Then give thanks for them.

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Everlastingly Faithful

You Can Trust God

PREVIEW: Here’s a biblical bottom line for you: God alone is faithful—no one else is! That is why in God alone you should place your trust. That is why upon God alone you should look for justice, provision, and freedom. That is why upon God alone you should place your hope. And that is why God alone is worthy of your eternal praise. What other god can make that claim, and back it up like our God has?

Everlastingly Faithful - Ray Noah Blog

A Journey of Worship // Psalm 146:5-6

Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—he remains faithful forever.

Here’s a biblical bottom line for you: God alone is faithful—no one else is! That is why God alone is worthy of your praise: “Praise the Lord! Let all that I am praise the Lord. I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath.” (Psalm 146:1-2)

  • That is why in God alone you should place your trust: “Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them. (Psalm 146:3-4).
  • That is why upon God alone you should look for justice, provision, and freedom: “He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners.” (Psalm 146:7)
  • That is why upon God alone you should place your hope: “The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows. He frustrates the plans of the wicked.” (Psalm 146:8-9)
  • That is why God alone is worthy of your daily worship: “Praise the Lord! Let all that I am praise the Lord. I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath.” (Psalm 146:1-2)
  • That is why in God alone you should place your trust: “Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them. (Psalm 146:3-4).
  • That is why upon God alone you should look for justice, provision, and freedom: “He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners.” (Psalm 146:7)
  • That is why upon God alone you should place your hope: “The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows. He frustrates the plans of the wicked.” (Psalm 146:8-9)
  • That is why God alone is worthy of your eternal praise: “The Lord will reign forever. He will be your God, Jerusalem throughout the generations. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 146:10):

God alone is everlastingly faithful. Who or what else can make that claim—and back it up?

So, in whom or what are you putting your hope at this moment? A presidential candidate or a political party. The government? Your investments? The media? Your doctor? Science? Technology? The guarantee of the American dream? None of those are inherently bad, but they are not God. They do not have unlimited power, foreknowledge of what the future holds, indisputable justice, and complete moral clarity. Only the One who created all things, sustains the universe moment by moment, and holds tomorrow in his hands will continually keep his eye on you (Psalm 33:18), provide you with everything necessary for life, health, happiness, and peace (Acts 17:28, 2 Peter 1:3) shower you with his favor (Psalm 147:11), and fulfill his promise of your eternal life (Psalm 16:10, 2 Corinthians 5:1). So put your all your hope in God:

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 43:5)

Hope in God and you will never be put to shame: “No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.” (Psalm 25:3)

Put your full confidence in God and you never will be disappointed: “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Romans 5:5).

My friend, only the Lord God Almighty is everlastingly faithful.

My Offering of Worship: Offer a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God, for he alone is worthy.