May 21, 2020

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.

             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.

              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!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

May 20, 2020

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!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

May 19, 2020

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 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!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

May 18, 2020

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?

      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 foolishness 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?

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

May 17, 2020

May 17
Running With Jesus

 Luke 14:12-14 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

     Remember the host in this house was a Pharisee and this is an important fact in the teaching of this text! Let's investigate!  First off, he knows who they would invite to a luncheon should they have one. That would be friends, neighbors or sisters, relatives and rich friends! They did this thinking they will invite them back! Here it is in the Bible exclusion of others and only running with the in crowd and those who return favors to yourself, now He brings it home! We have to remember they think they have arrived and are the quote "next best to God". But next is the kicker; invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind and you will be blessed! No way Jose, these were the "untouchables" this would make the religious dirty! Wham! bam! They couldn't return the favor back because they were starving, lonely and outcast they should not be seen with them. 
     I know many out there feel like the lower class! I am so glad God does not look at people through the eyes of pride and power! God looks deep into the soul of man and no matter what status, denomination, or race He loves us all! He has issued a ticket for the greatest feast to ever be held. He has sent the ticket to everyone and that is Jesus Christ! He is inviting anyone to come! You must receive the ticket in order to get accesses to the banquet table! 
     Jesus does not care what physical infirmity you may have, how much money is in your bank account, or if you live in the White House or a grass hut! All are invited to join Him! Have you received your ticket? If not, do it NOW!, ask Jesus into your heart! If you have that ticket, rejoice with me today! Look for ways to tell others about the ticket to heaven! Don't just stay in your little group, step outside your box and do something for someone you consider dirty or not in your "group"! Watch being a "groupie" thinking you will get a free ticket to heaven!  It doesn't work that way, stop being self-righteous thinking you have arrived because of the world’s thinking system!

Father, lead us to some soul today needing an invitation, help us recognize them and give us boldness to speak to them about their salvation.  The days are short the wedding feast is being prepared.

Counting the cost, tomorrow!

 
Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015