April 4, 2019

April 4, 2019

Running with Jesus

Luke 13:18-19 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?

It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.

    A mustard seed! How many have owned one of those necklaces with that tiny seed in it? After being asked what Jesus kingdom of God looked like He gives two illustrations the first was a mustard seed’s that grows into a tree. Another text tells us if we have the faith of a mustard seed we could move a mountain. The seed is so small yet it makes a tree and the fowls of the air can lodge in it! Showing the seed starts small and grows into a tree. This was difficult for them to understand because they were looking for a man to come as a king and lead a revolutionary war to deliver them from Roman control. He came to lead a revolutionary war against our worst enemy Satan and death. His kingdom would begin small but grow. We can look now and see the world wide mission that Christ was talking about.  He told us our Faith is so small and if it was the size of mustard seed we could move a mountain.

    Our faith is like the kingdom of God it has to grow. A mustard seed has to be planted and cared for  to become a healthy bush for others to lodge on and to become useful. It requires a healthy environment, and that is where we have to place ourselves in an environment to be able to grow to become useful.  The mustard seed bush produces mustard that is used as a condiment and a spice. They recently discovered its oil is similar to diesel.

    Jesus was teaching His kingdom would grow into a worldwide kingdom. This has been a difficult text to apply, however, we can see the truth in Christ teaching revealing He is truth and we can see what a little faith can do. I think we go around looking for big faith and miracles when we just need to place a small seed of faith to our daily living. We have to be the birds and come and lodge in His kingdom and enjoy the benefits. So many of us try to do it all on our own! We must place that tiny seed of faith in God because He can grow it and help us with those mountains we face on a daily basis. Just like it takes time for that tree to grow so it is with our faith.  And our faith grows in Christ as we learn to trust in Him. The more we learn to trust, then the more we can make it through life. We need to give faith time to grow. 

Father, we ask you to place that seed of faith in our hearts as we face each circumstance. Let it grow then others can come to us and find that faith. Make our fruit useful to help add spice to life as we meet people! 

Tomorrow: He is Risen!

April 3, 2019

April 3

Running with Jesus

Luke 13:11-12  And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.  And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

     Woman thou art loosed! I love these three words! I find at age sixty it is so much more about letting it go that I get loosed! We don't realize by holding on, fighting life, not forgiving, hating, and dreading every day has placed us in a prison. This woman had an infirmity for eighteen years but one minute with Jesus set her free! 

     I will never forget one day when I was studying God's Word and when I realized I could stop fighting life. In my mind I was a little bird in a cage. During those hard days of depression God had trained me to sit on the swing back and forth singing praise to Him. After I had learned to be submissive to Him and praise Him in the cage one day I noticed the cage door was left open and I just flew out! I haven't felt caged in anymore. I found a new life that praises Him in the storm and I don't fight I fly on His wings of love. 

Father,  help each of us to let go and know that You want to lose us from the infirmities of life. They will come but with Your help we overcome.

     Keep running with Jesus! He's the healer and keeper! 

Mustard seeds, tomorrow!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

April 2, 2019

April 2

Running with Jesus

Luke 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

     Running with Jesus you can expect division to come.   Some people in this world, the minute they announce they have received Christ, are cast out of their families and disowned. Many do not like to run with quote "Bible Thumpers". When we receive Christ our eyes are opened into the Spirit realm as a new born babe awakens in this world. We begin to grow up in that world and it is so wonderful. We have a new Father; we find love, joy, and peace unspeakable. We change and the things of the lower world are seen with different eyes and we get new desires. We no longer want to go and do the same things and that is when it cost and the division sets in and the world wants no part of Christ! The division was so great it put Jesus on a cruel cross.

     Sometimes as Christians we expect everything to be smooth sailing when we run with Christ. This is not true and many believers will compromise truth and when we stand firm to live by God's principles it will divide us as brothers and sisters because we really want fire insurance to go to heaven but don't want to sacrifice for Christ! The richest blessings come from an OBEDIENT walk with Christ that will cost us! 

      So don't expect if you are a committed runner not to have conflict and divisions in your life! Keep running right next to Jesus listening to His commands walking obediently staying your course.

Father, thank You that we are ok when others reject us and give us strength to stay the course. When we are not accepted help us remember not everyone accepted You and they won’t us! Thank You so much for our new life in You. We pray others will join in the race. Love You, Father! Guide us through this day and help us stay the course! 

Tomorrow: Get loosed!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

April 1, 2019

April 1

Running with Jesus

Luke 12:42-44 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

     What will you be doing when Jesus comes? Big question for us to consider this morning! Momma always said, “Don’t leave the house with holes in your pants and don't go where Jesus wouldn't go!”  (Lol,  I still want to wear pants with holes!)

     Back in the 80-90's there was a big push for WWJD logo's (What Would Jesus Do?!) I think we need to bring this fad back!

     Let's take a hard look at ourselves today. In the text today Jesus asked His disciples who was the wise servant. If you read the text fully He talks about the works the servants do when their master is not there overseeing the servant. The one who has continued to be faithful while he is away is the one who will get the blessing and will be trusted with all he has.

     Sometimes we wonder why we are not receiving the blessings others have. Sometimes we cut off our blessing flow because we are not faithful with what He has already given us. Example, why should He give us more money if we have not been faithful to let Him, our Master, tell us how to use it and we spend it all on self and never tithe or use it to help others! Why should God give you a better vehicle when you don't take care of the one you have. When you use it to go to places He wouldn't go!  We are Jesus’ servant let's begin this day by saying:

Father, Master what would You have me do today. To whom can I share my faith with and help me be a good steward of the things You have given me to care for. Show me whom I can help today. Thank You for allowing me to work in Your kingdom work. Let me be found faithful! 

Tomorrow:  Expect division!

March 31, 2019

March 31

Running with Jesus

Luke 12:39-40 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

     Well here is a matter the 21st century doesn't care to think, talk, or hear about. "Jesus could come any day so be ready." Jesus gives us an example of a homeowner and if he knew when a thief was going to break in he would prepare and be ready to catch him! 

     Jesus has told us in His Word we may not know the day or the hour but He is coming again! The robbers don't even warn you they will be coming yet many of us lock our doors, buy guns, buy security systems, and pay attention to signs before we enter our homes. Why in the world do we not heed the Word of God and the prophets? Jesus is coming again we must be prepared. Whether it is death that comes first or the sound of the trumpet He is coming! Prepare yourself.   Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. He is the door and only way to enter heaven. His blood is over the doorpost. Don't delay because today as you read this is the day of salvation and might be your last!

      If you have read this and want to know how to prepare, inbox me and we will talk! I will tell you how you can know Christ as your Savior!

Father, as this goes forth let someone desire to know how they can have eternal life and be prepared. Help this generation to open their eyes and ears. 

Tomorrow: What will you be doing when Jesus comes?

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015