I remember the first time I was in Portland. It wasn't for long. In fact, I got off a plane and got on another - that was it. But the ordeal makes a good story for this week's Message About Purpose and Strategy. I had officiated at a wedding in Wenatchee, WA on a Saturday and had to catch a plane through Seattle to San Diego in order to preach at my home church on Sunday. A storm delayed the flight and the people in Seattle said I was stuck there for the night unless I could run across the terminal to catch the last plane to Portland, and then connect home from there. I had only minutes to make it and one of the other passengers didn't wait for any more of an invitation, he took off running. I ran as fast as I could go with my clumsy garment bag and computer case. I didn't think I'd make it. What I needed was one of those moving sidewalks. Have you seen them in airports? You step on and continue to walk, but at a much faster pace than you could move on your own. I got to thinking about how much this illustrates what the Bible calls "walking in the Spirit." Why walk in your own strength? You can be moved along by an underlying source. When you're walking in the Spirit, you're still doing things - using your gifts, demonstrating faith, and confronting sin - but with new success. There is a fresh wind in your sails like having power beneath your feet. In contrast, life in the flesh is like struggling against the flow. It is like going up a down-escalator! For Dayspring to fulfill potential, Christians like you and I have to walk in the Spirit. That's the way to be sure you'll make it home.