March 5, 2019

March 5, 2019

Judy Hollaway

November 28

Running with Jesus

Acts 23:23 " And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;"

     God told Paul he would be going to Rome the night Jesus came and appeared to him in verse 11. At that point Paul knew he would not be killed yet! God used his nephew to reveal the plot and today we see through that child God would intervene and use a whole band of soldiers to protect him.

     God intervened are words we all need to hear during those tough places. God's ways are not our ways for sure. Our ways are definitely limited. God is all seeing and all knowing and he can use even the hardest places in our lives to bring honor and glory to His name. When we trust in Him, He will work things out for us in greater ways than we can imagine. 

     Paul put his life into the hands of God. He lived everyday ready to go home but he also lived so others by his life could come to know God. We too must live our lives ready to go but also to be a witness. We must allow God to intervene in the way He chooses. When we do this we can rest knowing that the end things will work out much better than we could expect. He is asking us to trust Him in our difficult days. He will get us to the other side. He used a band of soldiers to help him carry out His mission. 

 Father, as we come today bringing our hard places to You, we trust in You Lord. We choose to stop trying to figure it all out and choose to rest in You as You intervene in our lives and work things out. We choose to live for Your glory and are taking one day at a time. There is no other way but to trust You and obey. 

Tomorrow: The house of darkness.

March 4, 2019

March 4, 2019

Judy Hollaway

November 27

Running with Jesus  

Acts 23:16; 19  "And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.   Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?

     Paul was in a tough place, the Jewish council outside was plotting every way possible to kill him. His nephew overheard one of their schemes and went and told Paul and Paul ask to have him speak to the commander and he did and as a result Paul was protected.

     So often we underestimate children and there are times that we would benefit if we listen to them. Children are usually open and honest with you. It is a shame more adults don't ask their kids what they should be doing and how they should be acting. Children are easy to forgive and forget. They trust and love innocently with no hidden motives. 

      I am reminded today that Paul taught us that we should be imitators of God like little children. Also, Jesus said suffer the little children to come unto me for such is the kingdom of God.  Children are moldable and teachable. Children can be used by God to teach us valuable lessons and can be help to us. So don't take the children around you for granted! Ask them their opinions sometimes.

Father, thank You for reminding us to not ignore the children that surround us. Thank You for reminding us You can use children to help us. God bless the children in America help us watch out for them. 

     Spend time with the children in your life and thank God for them today. Say a special prayer for them. 

God intervenes, in the morning!

March 3, 2019

March 3, 2019

Judy Hollaway

November 26

Running with Jesus

Acts 23:15  "Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you tomorrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him."

     These Jewish leaders were determined to kill Paul. They made a pact because they were so filled with anger they threatened they would not eat till they had him killed.  Anger will lead us to kill. We say not me I want kill anyone. We may not kill physically but we sure can kill a person’s spirit. 

     This happened to me when I was very young. Some people I trusted betrayed me and said some hurtful things that almost injured me to the point I was devastated spiritually. I was young and did not understand how our enemy, Satan, seeks to devour our lives. He couldn't get my soul so he fought to crush my spirit. A young girl on fire for Jesus was an open target for a bucket of water. He lives to plot ways to bring us down. He throws one bucket after another thinking, "this one will take her down!"  But we have to remember, "'He who began a good work in us is able to complete it." Philippians 1:6. We didn't start our fire Jesus did and it is His fire in us and no amount of water thrown at us can put out His fire! We must stay on the path in our darkest hours. We usually come out stronger and know God in a different light after we go through the attacks. Just hold on. The palm trees have a deeper root system that helps withstand the winds and rains. They bend but always pop right back up. It is that deep root system that enables them. So when Satan pours it on get deeper into the Word that will take you deeper into the Lord.

Father, for that one who has had its first big bucket of water thrown at their spirit, let them see the flame reduced but is coming back stronger but never went out. Let them feel the warmth of Your presence burning in their hearts. Tell them they will flourish again and do a greater work! 

In the morning, God uses children. Hurry back!

March 2, 2019

March 2, 2019

Judy Hollaway

November 25
Running with Jesus

Acts 23:11 "and that night following the Lord stood by him, and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as thou has testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome."

     Love a red letter edition of the Bible because you always know when the Lord is speaking. Paul was having a tough time a few verses up and the court officials had to pull Paul from the crowd to keep them from ripping him apart. Paul could be killed at any minute not by officials, but a mob of religious people. And here is another "but God!"
right here in red letters. Jesus came to bring him just what Paul needed to get through what was going on in his life. "Be of good cheer!"
      I don't know what you are going through right now but I do know you need to know too that God has not left your side. Jesus tells us He will never leave nor forsake us. His spirit came to live and dwell in us the moment you received Jesus as Savior and you were born again. He is still right there with you. Your circumstance may have clouded your view but He is with you. Today you need to get that red letter edition Bible out and read those red lettered words because you are holding and reading all you need to survive life. His Word is alive and breathing life into you. It was the words of God's voice that created the universe and His words are the anchors for the days the mob is ripping you apart.
     Think about the first four words He spoke to Paul, “Be of good cheer!" Do you think Paul needed encouragement? There came Jesus right along beside him giving Him a word of Grace for that day. So I pray you feel peace come to your circumstance. It may not change but He can change you.
               

 Father, we pray for that one who needs cheering up today. Lift that heavy load and put a word of peace in their soul. Remind them You are there for them and You can bring them through when their words and thoughts are lying to them. Let them know You have got all they need to sustain them as they go through life.

A plot for murder, tomorrow!

March 1, 2019

March 1, 2019

Judy Hollaway

November 24

Running with Jesus

Acts 23:6-8  But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

     Couldn't help but think as I was reading Paul's day in court that we live amongst people like the Sadducees and Pharisees. So you say how is that? Well most people don't think there is a resurrection, life after death! Is it not true? Why do I say this, because they live everyday without thinking about life after death!  If they did there would be more coming to worship. Most are so busy they ignore this part of life. 

      First I would like to say I know there is a God and I have a personal relationship with Him through the death of Jesus on the cross. I like to think of it this way; when I die I have nothing to lose and gain everything! If we are right and you don't believe, you have everything to lose. And will gain eternity in hell and eternal separation from God! 

     The Bible says today is the day of salvation and we have no promise of tomorrow! If you have not made preparation let today be that day! The clock is moving fast so better not wait too long!

Father, I pray for that one soul reading today who needs to trust Jesus as Lord and Savior. I pray they will be moved by Your Spirit.  I am thankful I know when I leave this world I will be in Your presence. I never lose sleep over life after death. I thank You for that peace and security! 

     If you need this assurance please take time to read John 3:16 and Romans 10:9-10. 

Tomorrow: Red Letter edition Bible. If you have one get it for in the morning.