August 28, 2018

August 28, 2018

Judy Hollaway

May 22

Running With Jesus

Luke 15:20-23 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.  And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.  But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:  And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

(And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.  But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.)

     The prodigal son story is a story we have heard preached from so many angles! The angle I love the most is my own version. When I realized and came to my senses! Have you come to yours? I am so humbled by this story because we all are eating hog rations and living in the pigpen of sin until we wake up and run.   When we see his compassion it should motivate us how to respond when our child returns home and others who stray.  Notice if you read the whole story he was repentant and said he was sorry. The father forgave him but also he didn't give up on his son, he watched the road and waited everyday for his return. The son was forgiven before he even asked for it! Forgiveness is already there just waiting for us to come and get it. God loves us unconditionally and as His child we should love in the same way! Be willing to allow others to make mistakes and when they repent or ask forgiveness give them the same grace and mercy we receive from God. If we all got what we deserve, it would be hell.

      Notice forgiveness was already there, the prodigal had to receive it. So let's imitate the Father go ahead and forgive the one who needs it before they ask for it. This will keep the chains off of your heart!

 Father, thank You for receiving this prodigal girl and loving her. Give me Your Spirit that enables me to have forgiveness stored and waiting to pour it out on others!

Tomorrow: Little things.

August 27, 2018

August 27, 2018

Judy Hollaway

May 21

Running with Jesus

Luke 15:10  Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

(Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents!)

             Wouldn't you like to be an Angel for one day! I would love to be up there watching from the grandstands of heaven!

1 Peter 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

(says "It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you. These things have now been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Angels desire to look into these things.”) 

              Angels want to look into salvation of men and their relationship with God!

       We cannot in this mind even look at one tiny glimpse of heaven. I think with our physical decaying bodies it would make our head explode at the glimpse. Isn't it wonderful to know we have hope of eternal life! I bet the Angels say, "Oh, look another one is getting to come here!" We get excited when we plan a surprise birthday party and can't wait for the guest to arrive! Now can you magnify that a trillion times when an angel sees one of us get born again and knows what is in store for us humans! I bet there is rejoicing over us! Turn and read Revelation 21 about heaven and the jasper walls , street of Gold, gates made of one pearl, a glassy sea and of course the throne of God. Cherubim are flying around crying “ Holy, Holy, Holy.” Day and night! Let's have that Jesus moment ! 

       We need more Jesus moments as we run through life. Jesus moments lift us above our circumstances and we get extra energy to keep running.

Father, thank You for the book of Revelation! We can read about heaven and what will happen to our enemy! Thank You for ministering Angels and the work they do we cannot see!

I see a prodigal coming down the road tomorrow!

August 26, 2018

August 26, 2018

Judy Hollaway

May 20

Running with Jesus

Luke 15:3-6 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

      Jesus leaves the fold and comes and finds the lost sheep and lays it on His shoulder and brings it home. I once heard that when a sheep keeps wondering away from the fold a shepherd will break his leg then carry him on his shoulder so he learns to depend upon him and from then on he stays very close to the shepherd. I can tell you I was one broken mess when Jesus found me and carried me home. I was lost in a sea of emotions! The only way I have survived life has been staying close to my precious Shepherd, Jesus Christ. He truly makes me lie down in green pastures, leads me beside still waters and restores my soul. 

     Are you emotionally broke and lost in that sea of emotions this morning? Then the shepherd wants to pick you up and tend to you. Stop running, relax and rest upon his shoulders. You don't have to keep fighting, LET GO AND LET GOD!!!

     Yesterday old Satan tried so hard to cause me to have doubt and fears (emotions) but my Shepherd was there to help me! Satan lies to us. Don't believe his lies; believe the words of the master Shepherd. The words of the Shepherd have to rule over our thought life. Watch what you are thinking! Don't think like a lost sheep, you are found and your Shepherd is right with you going ahead guiding and leading. So today, rest upon His shoulder. He is teaching you to depend upon Him totally.

Father, thank You for being our Shepherd and when my emotions run away with me and I get lost in them, You come and find me and bring me home!  

Tomorrow: Let’s think like an angel!

August 25, 2018

August 25, 2018

Judy Hollaway

May 19

Running with Jesus

Luke 14:34-35 Salt is good: but if the salt  have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

 (“Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?  It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”)

                Salt can lose its flavor. Did you know when salt gets wet then dries nothing is left but tasteless residue. Watered down Christianity! Yes, that is what has happened in America. The church has bit into the worlds standards of living and the Word of God has been diluted in our lives and we have lost our savor.  We no longer stand up for Christ. 

                 Salt preserves and flavors food. We are supposed to be bringing good into the world and new flavors. We are too busy to sacrifice, plan and lack commitment to do Gods kingdom work.  What is so sad is the religious who do not know the true and only living God are willing to strap bombs to their bodies, cut off heads and adhere to their laws and fight till death for just a dead man, whose bones lay in a grave!  We have the only living God and we are not willing to serve Him. Don't ask us to sacrifice our time. We leave our Bibles on the church pews, on our car seats or on the table collecting dust. We pick our Sunday School books up 30 minutes before we get in the car. (If we go to Sunday School.)  Wonder why we don't see God working in our lives. We only pray when we need God like a genie in a bottle and we call Him out for emergency only or some selfish wants. 

Father help us! Give us that desire to know You and walk in Your will and ways. Fill us with Your Sweet Holy Spirit and empower us to be salt in this bland world we live in and help us live a desirable life that others can taste and find Jesus.

             We are losing Our Homeland. Jesus said He who has ears let him hear! Church it is time to return to the Faith of our founding Fathers "In God We Trust". 

                God said if my people who are called by my name, will seek my face (not what is in His hand) I will heal their land. Friends we need healing! Our kids are at stake! Return to God. 

                Let's spend time seeking God all day! Ask Him to make us salty. Turn off the radios, TV's, and the Candy Crush spend that time with the Lord. Let the master of salt season us.

Tomorrow:The lamb is lost but the shepherd is coming!

August 24, 2018

August 24, 2018

Judy Hollaway

May 18

Running with Jesus

Luke 14:27-28 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

 (Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.  For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?)

     Counting the cost! I remember when Mike first surrendered to the ministry I read a book on the cost of discipleship, I got real depressed and I don't think I finished it. I can tell you many times I have wanted to quit! However with God's grace I have been able to hang in there. 

     Many people do not want to sacrifice to serve the Lord. Many do not count the cost and quit just like a builder who failed to figure out the cost of a building. The truth of the matter, we sacrifice very little in America for Christ. The days ahead are going to be very tough on the next generation. Being a Christian and especially a minister is not looked upon in this world system as being very valuable. It is funny though because God's Word says people cannot be saved except by hearing the Word and how can they hear without a preacher! God has chosen the foolish of preaching to save the world! 

                  This generation must consider the cost because it will be much greater than ours.

 Join me today in prayer for the next generation!

 Father, we pray for our children and their children should You tarry in returning. We pray for boldness and strength to be able to stand strong and firm upon Your Word. Protect them from the evil one give them Godly spouses that will help them stay on the right path and keep them in Your watch care! Help us teach and train them in a way that will help them stand firm in their faith. 

Tomorrow: Is your salt wet?