October 21, 2019

October 21

Running with Jesus  

Acts 15:39 “And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

"Barnabas was son of encouragement or exhortation. In the Greek it means a calling for, summons, hence: (a) exhortation, (b) entreaty, (c) encouragement, joy, gladness, (d) consolation, comfort. We all need some of this at times!

      Mark had erred in some way on one of Paul and Barnabas missionary journeys and Paul did not want to take him along this time. They departed ways and Paul went on but Barnabas went with Mark.

     We all make mistakes and need someone to come along beside us to help us by encouraging us. Barnabas was the man for this job!  Barnabas had also been there and helped Paul after his conversion and they traveled all over forming churches.

     Mark overcame this err because later we see Paul asking them to bring Mark and under the inspiration of God wrote the book of Mark in the Bible.

     We need to be a Barnabas that comes along beside those who stumble and help them get back into the race.

     Look around and see if there is someone you need to encourage today. Send a card or call and invite them to lunch. Let them  know  God is there and we all make mistakes. We must remember to not point fingers because we all lag behind at times. 

Father, lead us to someone we can help on this trek we are on. Help us to live as an over comer and an exhorter. Show us how to help other runners on this path in such a way to finish their race. Thank You for not giving up on us and let us not give up on others. 

Answering the call, tomorrow, meet me here!

 Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

October 20, 2019

October 20
Running with Jesus

Acts15:11 "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."

     Gentiles were coming to know Christ and a dispute over the need for them to have the Jewish covenant ritual of circumcision in order to be saved.
     Jesus blood is our new covenant which fulfilled the Old Testament covenant. Peter shares that we are saved by grace through faith and the old puts them in bondage but the new frees them. The Old Testament covenant was based on the commandments that taught us we were sinners and condemns us guilty. They also used a temporary animal sacrifice year after year to cover sin. The New Testament covenant frees us by the blood of Christ one time sacrifice, taking away our sins.
     I struggled a long time grasping grace through faith. I didn't feel I deserved freedom from my sin and guilt so I would try so hard to be good and do things to make up for what I had done. I walked in a lot of darkness to truth of what salvation really had given me. I was not a disciple and knew so little about God's immeasurable grace. I began a journey to know about life after salvation! One day the blinders fell off and I could relax and enjoy my salvation. Jesus did it all and I could never repay or do anything to merit favor. I found so much peace and rest. Faith in the finished work of Christ settled my account PAID IN FULL!
      How many Christians are running around still trying to gain favor! It want work friend, realize it is all about Jesus! Stop fretting and enjoy your salvation!

 Father, thank You for saving GRACE! Thank You for loving us before we were born. Help us comprehend how a pure, holy and a righteous God loves us in spite of what we have done. Thank You for giving us salvation!
 

      Give out a big thank you to your loving Father for GRACE!

Tomorrow: We will see everyone needs a Barnabas to run with!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

October 19, 2019

October 19

Running with Jesus  

Acts 14:27 “And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.”

     I believe one of the downfalls in our churches today is found penned in this verse. "The church came together and rehearsed all God had done."  As a Pastor's wife I observe a lot and we seldom hear the body sitting around telling what they experienced as they went out this week. I live to hear someone say do you know what God did this week! 

      Let me share a little thing! I was so frustrated because my phone was messing up and I couldn't see my likes after I updated. This went on a week and finely I said, " Lord, I really need to have my phone fixed, help me!" I Goggled and tried everything still frustrated, but decided to just wait on the Lord.  The next thing I knew a young man sat in front of me and said," How is your day going Mrs. Judy?" Then Holy Spirit nudged me, "He knows a lot about cell phones, ask him!" I did and he said, "Just delete your app and reload." Guess what! Fixed it and I was able to tell him he was an answer to my prayer that morning. My frustration became a God moment or like a book I read one time a "God Wink"! 

      How many God winks do we have but never talk about them together! Church we have got to start telling each other when God winks at us! I remember as a young girl people were always giving a witness of those special moments. These winks are God saying I am with you and want to walk right beside you! This was just a little story but big to me! 

      Is God who is alive in your life or are you so earthly minded you are no heavenly good! 

Oh Father, help us open up and share with each other what an awesome God we have. I know it will increase our faith and build boldness. Father, You are a God we can brag about! You are alive and walking with us! 

      I know I just have to tell somebody God does so many little things for me!   Do you?!  Let's start rehearsing what He does for us. If He winks at you today tell someone!  Deal?  Get going watch for a wink to share! 

Grace, tomorrow, show up!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

October 18, 2019

October 18

Running with Jesus

Acts 14: 24-26 "And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

     These were some busy men running town to town carrying the gospel, organizing churches, winning lost souls, and encouraging the new converts. They were running fast, long, and hard! This reminded me of our great commission Matt. 28:19 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."  I think our American runners have slowed way down on our running!  

      I wonder if we knew today was our last day on this earth how we would run our lives. If Jesus said the trumpet will blow at 10:00am tomorrow! Would cell Towers be blocked? Just saying! This is something to ponder because we may be the last person who speaks to a lost person. We have got to get focused and make witnessing a top priority. What is sad most don't even want you to tell them about Christ and his return.

Father, grant us boldness and help us take advantage of every moment of everyday! It may be our last day or their last opportunity. We are the only one between them and hell. 

Rehearsing about God, tomorrow!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

October 17, 2019

October 17

Running with Jesus

Acts 14:21-22"And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

      Paul is up and running again after he was stoned and left for dead.  Now if this were us we would be out of here. We can't survive getting our feelings hurt. One little bobble in the road of our run and we quit and run off and pout and then develop a critical spirit. However, let us notice one word in the verses, "tribulation".  This means a cause of great trouble or suffering. Wait, suffering a word we do not like! Sorry, it is in the Bible! He says we must through tribulation enter the kingdom of God. We can deal with a lot of things if we expect it is coming. We must not forget Jesus said in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." 

     Jesus was called the suffering servant and we too must endure times of tribulation and expect it. If the world hated and despised the Son of God, where do we get off thinking it will love us. If we are being loved by the world then something is wrong with us! If you have no tribulation then you are not working in God's kingdom work! God's work is not easy and we must like Paul after his stoning get right back up and head off again! So get going don't stop now! With God you have all you need to keep going, Jesus said it "He has overcome the world"! We can overcome the obstacles Satan throws at us.

Father, we choose  to keep running the race before us and we refuse to allow suffering to get us down and we press on with You looking to You, our example and strength to endure the days ahead. Thank You for being the glory and lifter of our heads.

Town to town, in the morning, we need our spiritual running shoes on!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015