October 17, 2018

October 17, 2018

Judy Hollaway

July 11

Running with Jesus  

Luke 22:70  Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.

(“They all shouted, “So, are you claiming to be the son of God?” And He replied, “You say that I am.”)

     Jesus interrogation had begun and they were looking for a way to put Him to death.  One of the ways this could be accomplished was for them to find him humanly guilty of blasphemy, claiming to be God.  When Jesus turned their question around to answer and said “I Am” He was identifying himself with God, they took advantage of the opportunity.  “I Am” was the title of God in Exodus.  They said we need no more witnesses we heard him ourselves.  No other man ever born was rightly named because He was God and was the long awaited Messiah that would be the promised one to die for our sins.

     “I AM” God identified Himself to Moses using this title and it means He exists by himself for himself and is the uncreated Creator who is independent of a concept, force, or entity; therefore “I AM WHO I AM” (ongoing).

      We were watching an old Twilight movie the other night and there was an alien talking to humans on earth and it was funny to me that people today still believe there is something out there beyond earth.  Well there is someone out there and that someone is God, I AM.  God made man with spirit and that spirit is made to fellowship with God.  He was there before man existed and never will cease to exist.  I don’t know about you but I definitely need “I AM”.

     When it looks like days will overwhelm and over shadow me I need someone who is faithful and will run with me through this rat race of life.  When we have those days and wonder how we will ever get through that day God shows up and tells me “I Am” right here Judy and always will be I AM, your ongoing God and Companion trough life and will be through eternity. Jesus is the way to God because He was “I Am” in the flesh.  Don’t be deceived like these religious rulers who had no relationship just ritual.  Jesus wants to be your “I AM” today He gave His life to save you from the curse of this life and wants to be your ongoing running Companion.

Father, thank You for being our “I AM” when we think we can’t go on through our worst of days. Thank You for loving us and never leaving us alone. Thank You for that supply of strength and energy for another day.  Help the one who needs to hear You say today, “I AM still here and will never leave you”.

Crucify Him, Crucify Him, tomorrow.

October 16, 2018

October 16, 2018

Judy Hollaway

July 10

Running with Jesus

Luke 22:55-57;62 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.

 (“The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there.  A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, “This man was one of Jesus’ followers!”  But Peter denied it. “Woman,” he said, “I don’t even know him!”   And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.”)

     Just a few short hours past after Peter cut off the ear of the servant we see a different Peter.  Peter had been told by Jesus that Satan wanted to sift him and also told him before the cock crowed he would deny him three times. Sure enough the devil showed up.

     Peter was a bold and a loud mouth disciple.  He lacked maturity and growth but the sifting would change Peter’s life forever. He was always the first one speaking up and almost boasting about what he would do.  I will give my life, but...  “But” that little word, Peter fearful of his life denied knowing Christ.

     Pride goes before destruction God’s Word tells us. He was a halfhearted follower but would soon become one of the pillars of our faith.  He would be restored and preach one of the most authoritative sermons after the resurrection recorded in Acts.

     We do not like sifting because it usually leads to brokenness.  We are not usually usable until we have been broken.  Much like a wild stallion so full of strength and energy is not usable until he has been broken and all that strength and power is under control of the master.

     Are you in a time of brokenness?  Just hold on God is going to use this in your life for our good and for His glory. Submit yourself to the Master’s authority and humble yourself before God and He will lift you up in His time.

Lord, I pray for all the broken hearted today.  Give them the grace to hold on and let them know You are working out a greater plan than they can imagine.  Help them know You show up through all the cracks much like a glass candle holder and become a light shining for others to see You. Without the broken cracks the light can’t get out.

Tomorrow: “I AM” is being interrogated.

October 15, 2018

October 15, 2018

Judy Hollaway

June 9

Running with Jesus  

Luke 22:50-51 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

(“And one of them struck at the high priest’s slave, slashing off his right ear. But Jesus said, “no more of this.” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.”)

     The book of John identified this man as Peter.  Peter had the sword he and Jesus had talked about and he was ready to fight.  It was night and Satan was doing his dirty work arresting Jesus. Let us really walk down into the grove and look intently.  Judas knew who Jesus was and Judas knew where to find Him.  The Chief priest and Roman soldiers grab Him and they are taking Him by force.  He ask them, “Why come at me with swords and soldiers, I taught you in the temple daily.”  Jesus point was made He wasn’t hostile to them.   Peter takes out his sword and with a sling off comes the High Priest servant’s ear.  What does Jesus do? Puts it back on and instantly it is healed.  One of the last miracles and one more time Jesus is giving these men a sign.

     Oh, if only I had a sign so many say I would believe.  The greatest sign we have today is the image of the Cross where the greatest miracle was performed.  High and exalted on display for the world, God in Christ became sin for us and died to pay the penalty for our sin.  Can you grasp that miracle? It is the greatest miracle ever on this earth. It is the symbol of the last great miracle for man. Today the image of the cross is all across our land, but many are fighting the cross as much as they fought to kill Christ.  God has gone to all lengths to redeem man and more and more as time goes on they are resisting.  Satan hates the cross because the cross defeated him.  Since he is prince and power of the air he is working overtime to destroy the life of men.  He uses doubt and encourages unbelief.

Father, we pray for our country to awaken from their sleep before it is too late. We pray the cross can stand free and strong in America.   We pray You will have mercy upon the souls Satan is using to do his dirty work.  Lord, help us to stay strong in the face of opposition.  Help us as we go forward today to walk in Light and be a light in this dark world.

Tomorrow: “Look out Peter, Satan has arrived with his sifter.” Don’t miss it!

October 14, 2018

October 14, 2018

Judy Hollaway

July 8

Running with Jesus

Luke 22: 47-48 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.  But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

 (But even as Jesus said this, a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss.  But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”)

     A Kiss…..A brotherly love kiss…..pretending he loved Jesus.  We know Satan had already entered Judas.  Now he was doing his dirty work. He betrayed the one whom he had walked with and had seen and witnesses all the wonderful things that Jesus had done.  The betrayal was for 30 pieces of silver. Judas kiss was one of greeting that was the custom.  It would be the only way the Romans would recognize who Jesus was. He pretended to be a follower of Christ and betrayed Him.

     How many pretenders and betrayers do we have today?   When we are not giving Him time, talents, and money and all our energy goes to activities, pleasures, and material things we are betraying Him. We go to church and pretend we are Christian yet we show no acts of service.  When we are doing things that are insincere or just for a show we also betray Christ.

     Betrayers go to church and get their conscience pampered and think they are ok when really they do not have a love relationship with Him. He is asking you today “Do you betray me, like Judas?”  Judas ran with Christ every day and He did not have a personal relationship with Christ.  We see this because His heart was never changed.  His hand stayed in the money bag. If we have a heart change it will be reflected in our life.  No one will have to coax you to go to Sunday school and no one will have to remind you to go worship.  It will be your desire to be with God’s people. If your desires never changed you may want to examine your relationship with God.

Father, help us examine our hearts today.  How serious are we and do we really have a personal relationship with You. Father help us not betray You and especially in the days ahead because I believe  the day of our Lord is approaching.  The Word tells us we will know just like we know the seasons are changing.  I can hear this from the lips of so many believers. Father, it is so important in the world we live in to be real.

     I ask are you real? Have a think this morning!

One last miracle, see you tomorrow morning!

October 13, 2018

October 13, 2018

Judy Hollaway

July 7

Running with Jesus

Luke 22:45-46 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,  and said unto them, Why sleep ye? Rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

 (“Last he stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief.  “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation.”)

     Jesus returned and found His disciples asleep.  They had no idea what was about to happen.  For three years they had been walking and working side by side with Christ in the flesh.  Jesus had already told Peter that Satan was going to sift him.

     Early in my life God began to call me to get up early and pray and intercede for my family, church, and country.  It was a struggle at first because I was not a morning person.  I knew in my heart this is what God desired for me.  What motivated me most were the things I didn’t know were coming my way.  Intercession should be a very important part of our life.

     I became as an intercessor in 1986 and I am still going strong.   Many of you know I have 3 other ladies that God put in my path to join in on intercession.   Being surrounded with these ladies, I have found strength and support for those days when I didn’t know things were coming.  I know I can call on any of them at anytime to pray with and for me. 

     The other gospel account Jesus says, “Could you not tarry with me for one hour.”  This is what convicted me to get up.  It is a calling and many ask me how I can get up and pray from 4:00am to 5:00am...  My response is, “HOW CAN I NOT!”   I know my faith will be tested over and over and what does this verse say, “So you will not give in to temptation.”    Prayer is our life line.

     So I challenge you today to become an intercessor.  Every family needs one.  Never before in our history is there a need for the body of Christ to wake up and PRAY.  How about you?  Is He calling you?  There are so many blessings and benefits of being an intercessor.

Father, stir the hearts of the readers today and help them see the need to tarry with You for one hour.  This will be the greatest blessing in life and will help prepare them for the unexpected things.

A Kiss, in the morning, going to be a sad day!