August 4, 2018

August 4, 2018

Judy Hollaway

April 28

Running with Jesus  

Luke 19:36-37 And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

(Then the crowds spread out their robes along the road ahead of him, and as they reached the place where the road started down from the Mount of Olives, the whole procession began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles Jesus had done.)

     Jesus life is beginning to lead Him to the cross. Over the next few days the enemy would be working hard to get rid of the trouble maker. Jesus would upset the Pharisee's apple cart!   As Jesus enters the town streets were lined with people waving palm branches and singing praises to God for all the wonderful miracles He had done. In a few days the praisers will be scattered! 

     You know it is easy to praise God when we see miracles and things are going our way. What about the times we can't see the miracles and things are not going our way? We sometimes see people scatter! 

      1 Thessalonians 5:18 says "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."   Paul tells us to be thankful in all circumstance! Now this is hard for me and God has to remind me so often to praise Him in everything!  Some days my spirit can be up and down like riding waves on an ocean. When things are looking and feeling ok I am a happy Christian, but let the least wind come up and I am reaching for my life jacket and looking for a raft to help me survive because I fear a storm is coming to take me out! There is that ugly stop sign the devil throws up, fear ahead! And then sings his favorite song "I've Got You Babe" and as Fred Sanford would say "this is the big one (Judy) Elizabeth" as he grabs his heart. Just thinking about life storms makes my heart palpitate.

     One of the things we have to learn to do during those hard places is praise God! Not just in the good times. Start by praising God for all His attributes. He is all knowing, He is all powerful, He is all present, He is my fortress, He is my rock, He is the creator, He is my sustainer, He is our protector, He is our defender, He is our advocate, He is our stronghold and this list could go on and on. Praising God and keeping a steady focus upon who He is and what He can do, becomes our life preserver. 

Father, we too enter into worship as we run with the runners of praise today. We are looking intently into the face if the King of Kings riding upon this colt and we are waving our palm branches because we have the whole story to behold and know You are indeed the Messiah, the Keeper of our souls. Thank You for reminding my emotions of Who has us. With praise in our hearts and You as our guide we will keep running right by Your side.

Tomorrow: Jesus is crying!