October 2, 2019

October 2

Running with Jesus  

Acts 12:5 “Peter therefore was kept in prison; but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.”

     We will camp out and rest for a bit from running, the Passover is starting in the city and the Jews are gathered and as we learned yesterday the new King Herod has orders for the sword to be taken to Peter like he did with James.  He would gain more political favor with the Jews.  However we read two little powerful words, “But Prayer”. 

     The church had received word Peter had been arrested and the Bible says prayer was made without ceasing! Ceasing means to end, halt, stop, or bring to an end.  Not ceasing, men kept on going.  The church was about to learn a lesson on the power they have in prayer.  Also they would learn the power of prayer that was gained by praying together.  It was a new church of believers and the Holy Spirit had been released upon believers.  The church was operating under new management and open communication with God.  Prior the resurrection there was a curtain that separated man from God; now anyone could come boldly before the throne of grace and find help in time of trouble.

     Sometimes prayer is the only leg we have to stand upon in times of trouble.  The Bible tells us at times we don’t know how to pray and can even utter a word, but the Holy Spirit will discern our heart and thoughts and He will pray for us.  You may feel prayer is useless but it is not it is our life line to God.  I want to encourage you to pray.  Don’t wait for desperate days to pray!  Pray without ceasing, this means to be in constant communication with God.  Be aware He is a present God in the day of trouble.

Father, we want to know more about the power of prayer.  Help us as a body of believers seek to pray without ceasing.  Show us Your mighty work of prayer.  I know days Father, I may feel You are not listening to me, but I chose not to trust my feelings, I chose to trust You to discern how to answer my prayers in Your way and Your time.  I thank You for Your Words of instruction I am to obey, no matter what I see I trust You.  We will not cease to pray and talk with You.

Tomorrow: Prayer causes angels to move, you better not run off the path and camp here for a little rest.  You

will need it to complete the trek we are on.

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

October 1, 2019

October 1

Running with Jesus  

Act 12:3-5  And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

     Herod was not through with his attack on Christianity, since the people approved of killing James he went after Peter! The whole town would be celebrating the feast of unleavened bread so it would be a perfect time for him to gain some more favor with the crowd. So he grabs Peter and arrests him. James and Peter were disciples of Christ and were teaching and training the church and it was on the rise. The head and the heart is where Satan loves to shoot those fiery darts. They are both the control center for the body.

      If you are in leadership and do anything that is furthering the gospel, honey, you are in the Green Berets, Special Forces in the Lord's army. Believe me you will come under attack of the devil and his demonic forces. He will attack you mentally by discouragement, fear, doubt, and negativity. He will shoot for your heart and use your children and loved ones.  Just anything to bring you down! 

      The body of Christ needs to pray for their leaders. We will see tomorrow just how powerful the unified prayers of the body are. So today if you are in leadership we will have a season of prayer for you. We will pray for encouragement and strength. I ask you to send a leader in your church a text, call, or card and encourage them and thank them for their service.

Father, we lift up our Pastors, worship leaders, deacons, teachers and any in leadership in our church bodies. Strengthen their inner man and protect their minds, heart and families. We thank You for their work. Give them wisdom, knowledge and understanding of how to lead us. 

Prayer, tomorrow!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

September 30, 2019

September 30

Running with Jesus  

Acts 12:1-2  Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

     James and John were Disciples of Christ. A new ruler was in leadership and he was a half Jew. He wanted to gain favor with the people so he had James killed with a sword. How sad!

     What people will do to gain glory and power! They go to the point of murder! Just like Jesus, the world and its system hate Christians. However, why are we shocked by this? The Bible tells us Satan is the prince and power of this world and roams the earth to devour someone. We need not think we are exempt from that evil one! It is evident in our society he is beefing up and seeking to destroy Christianity, his time is running out. It is hard to believe the changes in our culture in just my sixty years on this earth. I felt safe as a child in a land operating in a society land.

     We need not think the day will come when leaders want kill Christians with a sword in America!   Last days are upon us! Better wake up people! I believe the coming election will be one of the most major elections in the life of this country! We better pray and rise to the occasion! 

Father, we cry out and pray for Your return to be soon. We pray for You to raise up Godly men and women. Father, we pray for souls to come to know You! I sense an urgency, come quickly Father. Keep our families in Your watch care give them a desire to know and worship You. 

Tomorrow: Praying for Church leaders, so hurry back!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

September 29, 2019

September 29

Running with Jesus  

Acts 11:27-30   And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

      Well, the church is on the rise to the occasion. A famine is in the land and we see the body of Christ is beginning it’s ministry. It's time for me to get on one of my soap boxes! The news media always loves to tear down the church and true born again believers! Let a minister err and it is like wild fire spreading from news room to news room! It has been said for years bad news travels fast! Well, why do we not ever hear about all the good the church does? Samaritan's purse is usually first to land taking food and water and helping care for people all over the world who are facing catastrophic events! They minister to the physical and spiritual needs. The churches do more to raise money for cancer victims and hurting people. They also take care of those around them who are sick and need care! Help people when birth of a child, giving baby showers and bridal showers, they care for thousands at Christmas. They also teach and train thousands to be law abiding citizens! Wake up people!  I could rant all day! 

Father, we pray for the media today to raise up men and women who will tell the truth and focus on all the good news the body of Christ does! Let them share the good news! 

     Since there is some prayer day, every day for something or someone lets declare this "pray for the Media Day! Join me!

Killing Christians, tomorrow!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

September 28, 2019

September 28

Running with Jesus 2015

Acts11:25-26 then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:  And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

     Barnabas went looking for Brother Saul. Saul was taken to Barnabas house for protection after his conversion and was discipled by Barnabas. Today, Barnabas is going to get him and bring him to Antioch to help disciple the area where the disciples were first called Christians. Saul would soon be used in a mighty way to build Christ church. He learned from the best exhorter Barnabas! You notice the word church is mentioned in this text! Church should be the place we find exhortation to live for Christ.

     We have a great foundation to build upon the Life of Christ and great disciples who will write so many pages of God's Holy inspired word! 

     Anyone who says you don't have to go to church to be saved is correct, but anyone who doesn't attend is walking in disobedience to God. You can not be in fellowship with God and not attend church. He tells us not to forsake the assembling of yourselves together. We find strength to fight life's battles and carry the gospel. So you need to confess your lack of attendance as sin and get back into fellowship with God. You see it is not about the people, it is about obedience to God! He will take care of the people. Christ is our measuring stick not man! Jesus was always found at the temple about His Father’s business! Church is Gods business and you better clock in!

Father, I pray for that one who has strayed to return and find out what he or she is missing! Oh the blessing of serving You! My church family is part of the rock that holds me up when life drags me down! 

      Let's give a great big thank you to God today for our Church family. 

Tomorrow, we will pray for the Media Day! I am on a soap box so join me!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015