August 2, 2018

August 2, 2018

Judy Hollaway

April 26

Running with Jesus

Luke 19:28-29a  And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.  And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany…

( after telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking along ahead of his disciples.  As they came to the towns of Bethpage and Bethany...)

                Well running with Jesus has been an exciting journey! Along the way we have seen miracle after miracle and been taught kingdom living! Jesus has been so busy revealing  Who He is; the Son of God, the Lamb, the Light, and the Door to heaven. 

                I couldn't help but notice the line in this verse "after telling this story". Jesus is just about to make His entry into Jerusalem for Palm Sunday! He is on His way to die and what did Dr. Luke say after telling a story! We cannot imagine what it would be like sitting among our friends talking and teaching but also knowing the cross was set before Him! He could already see Himself hanging. He never lost sight of His mission! Saving us! Helping hurting people and revealing the truth of salvation! 

                Makes me sad to think how much I ignore opportunities to help some soul. We often lose our focus and mission because we have put "SELF" interest above our mission! Do we have a mission or a vision?   I was reminded of a sermon I heard one time and they ask us "who are you discipling?" We are all disciples of Christ and we should be discipling. Sheep produce sheep! Shepherds don't do the producing the sheep do! So where is your ministry? If you are not involved in ministry of some sort you are not growing in Christ! It is time to do something. Anyone can volunteer for nursery! That would be helping others go study so you would be helping disciple from a different angle. In Awana you can help a child learn a Bible verse. These are a couple of easy ways to start. We have a meal on Wednesday's to help people be free to come straight from work, another way to help by doing some disciplship in the background! This is where you get your blessings from ministering to others and entering in the work of the Lord! Don't you get it, Jesus died for us! Don't you understand you were bought with a high price! God forbid we sit on the sidelines watching and have no desire to work in the kingdom! I am sorry but if you have no desire for kingdom work you better check and make sure you are born again! Our lives get regenerated when the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts! That heart loves God and the things of God. Jesus was always about His Father's business and we should be!

  Jesus kept a clear vision of His purpose-death on the cross! We are to run with Him to the cross and die to self and be alive to God! 

Father, help us be about Your mission work! Helping others come to know You! Help that one who is afraid to get involved! You did not give that fear! You gave peace and a sound mind! You gave us a gift and the mind of Christ to use them. Help them find someone to disciple! 

Stop sitting, get involved! Watch your life change! Focus on your mission reaching souls for the kingdom and helping others along the way! 

Riding on a colt, tomorrow!