January 10, 2020

January 10
Running with Jesus

Luke 4:16 "And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read."

     Here we go again, back at the synagogue with Jesus. Notice what Luke said', “as His custom was on the Sabbath day". Jesus custom was to go to worship on the Sabbath.  ( I love Dr. Luke's writing because being a physician he always gives us the fine details. )Then He stood up to read and verse seventeen says "And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias."
     Jesus was about to began His time of public ministry revealing He was the Messiah. Where was Jesus, at the synagogue regularly reading scriptures. We found Him there remember at twelve years old. That was where His Father's business was.
      Friends it is so important to be consistent in regular attendance, worship and Bible study. You cannot go to any work place and expect to get anywhere without learning the ins and outs. Today one of the things the body of believers lack is commitment to their worship and study of the Word. Most don't want to go to Sunday School because they are not students of the Word and fearful they will be asked a question they can't answer. That is from the pit of Satan to hinder your growth and connection to the body of Christ. That is where they need to be to become a student.
      I'll never forget when God told me from John 14:23 ..."If a man love me, he will keep my words and my Father will love him, and we will come into him, and make our abode with Him." We wonder why we don't see God more in our lives. We have to be in His Word loving it and aligning our lives with His commands.  Most of us are not serious about running with Jesus because we will have to give up something or it is not the thing anymore and we will be called a "Jesus freak". Well this is true however we must never forget the benefits. Usually the places and things we don't line up with God's principles will always lead to bondage and destruction. Pay day will come sooner or later.
      If you have left the body and not reconnected with a family let this be your year to restart your race. Just like Jesus who regularly went and read the scriptures let this be a trait found in your life.
 

Father, help those who have stopped going to church have strength to return. Help them understand this is about obedience and loving You because You died for the body of believers and the body is where Your heart is. Our hearts should be there too because that is Your business. You have chosen to work through the body of believers. You ordained and instituted the church. Help us love and care for the body.
 

Tomorrow: Removing weights that slow our running down!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015