November 25, 2019

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!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

November 24, 2019

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.  

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

November 23, 2019

November 23

Running with Jesus  

Acts 21:39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people."

     After Paul's arrest he asked if he could speak to the crowd. He began to share his personal testimony. He shared how the light shown down from heaven and blinded him and had to be led by hand. Paul thought they would understand how his life was before as a devout Jew and then how he became a follower. They didn't accept Paul's message, especially when he told them God was sending him to the Gentiles! Bad words for these men who were suppose to be bringing the light to the world.

     Are we! Are our lights shining in our dark world? Are we that city on a hill so all can see Jesus? I am afraid as the body of Christ, we have put our lights under a bushel basket. God's Word tells us men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil. Christian shed light on sinful ways so don't think the world will like you! This group had pride in the fact they were "Chosen” of God and when Paul said God sent him to the Gentiles, light hit them and wham they turned on Paul. When we share and hit a nerve that reveals their sin, we will take a hit! So don't be discouraged just stay the path.

 Lord, as we run in this world there is so much darkness we get overwhelmed by it all. Give us strength to stand in the dark. We know we are the only light people may come in contact with. Give us favor with all we shine on. Help them be able to see the right way in their dark by looking at us. Help us not walk in darkness. Fill us with Your sweet Holy Spirit.

In the morning, running into those Sadducees and Pharisees, don't miss them!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

November 22, 2019

November 22
Running with Jesus  

Acts 22:3 "I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day."

      Yes, I did use the same verse yesterday, keep reading.  Every time I see where Luke writes about Paul's life as Saul I think about how he was living the perfect fulfilled life. He had education from the best elite school and best professors. He had a great job and fulfilling for a man, he could get orders and go around and have people arrested, beaten, and put to death. He was a commander over a host of people. In the "worlds" eyes successful. That would be to live life and be happy and die. Although Saul thought he had eternity wrapped up! The more He did in name of Jehovah, the more he thought he had it made. He was missing it though!
       But God! God had a higher plan and purpose for Saul and that would be to become Brother Paul. And when he met Jesus and only then did he find he had a higher purpose than this world offers. We can settle to live in the lower plan or divine plan and purpose. God has a plan we cannot imagine for our life. We couldn't dream of it and we couldn't make it happen. We can choose to obey Him or live in the world’s plans and ways.  When we choose to obey Him we will fulfill His higher purpose!
      Saul became known as Paul and founded more churches than any one man and is still leading people to Christ in this century, and authored most of the New Testament books that has built up the body of Christ that is still working today. What a legacy! I know he never could have dreamed the plans God had for him.   Divine plans; let's think about where we are in our lives. Are we seeking the world’s way and system or living in His divine plan for our lives?
               

Lord, we look to You to find our true higher purpose for living. As we seek to run with You we trust You to map out the higher plans for our life. Help us look unto You for guidance, die to self and the world’s way of thinking and planning.  Help us remember life is short and what we do between the dates on our tomb stone is what counts. Here we are use us for Your glory.
 

Light in darkness, in the morning!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

November 21, 2019

November 21
Running with Jesus  

Acts 22:3 "I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day."

     No one had more zeal and passion for his Jewish faith. He was trained in the doctrine of the law! He was so zealous for the law that they were crying out for his arrest and his death.
     I cannot imagine standing out in a street yelling to kill someone, can you? These men wanted to kill Paul and some even listened to lies. When he was arrested they ask if Paul was the man who had followers who had a band of men who had captured some souls and killed them.  Paul never gave up witnessing for Jesus. The zeal and passion he had to destroy Christians is now being used for the gospel.
     We need to catch hold of Paul’s zeal and compassion for "The Way". I feel we need to urgently be sharing our faith with as many as possible. Days are short. If we have zeal, witnessing will be our focus. We live in this world but we are to remember we are not to live like the world and function like the world.
                 

God move us and give us a zeal to share the gospel today. Help us look for doors to be open and help us stay focused as we work through the day. Help us understand opportunities are divine appointments. Help us run hard and fast.

Tomorrow: Thinking about Paul's life in one big picture!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015