September 27, 2019

September 27

Running with Jesus  

Acts 11:22-24 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

     Barnabas had the gift of exhortation so when news traveled the church was growing, the apostles sent Barnabas to Antioch. Everyone needs a Barnabas to encourage us. Barnabas was described as a man full of the Holy Spirit and strong faith. When he arrived and saw what the work God was doing he was filled with joy and encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord!  As a result many people came to know the Lord!

     We all need encouragement and need to surround ourselves with Barnabas's. I don't like to be around negative people, complainers, and naggers! This will bring you down. Are you a Barnabas walking among people? Watch your attitude today! Attitudes rub off on other people and makes for a downer day and as a Christian we should be full of joy.  Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. So what are you full of today? Being filled with the Holy Spirit can make you more like Barnabas! So let's have some quiet time and get filled up with the Spirit. Let Him control your spirit!

Lord, it is our desire to be an encourager not a discourager. Come sweet, sweet Spirit, fill us up and bring joy into our lives today. Someone needs a Barnabas, let it be us! Show us who needs uplifting today. Show us how to be a modern day Barnabas!

Saul's caught back up with us in the morning! Keep running with Jesus by now you are getting stronger!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

September 26, 2019

September 26

Running with Jesus  

Acts 11:20-21  And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

     After God revealed salvation had come to the Gentiles through Cornelius, the church began to grow. After Stephens’s death many Christians were spread to other surrounding areas to try to stop "The Movement"! Little did they know they were spreading "the movement" and the good news of Christ salvation was on the move!

     Today we are beginning to face much opposition to our faith. What are we to do? We are to continue to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love. We are to continue "The  Movement". God is with us and we must remain faithful. First century Christians persevered and should the Lord tarry His coming we too must stand and remain faithful!

     Are you discouraged today? Look up, God is with us and will never leave or forsake us. Those emotions that are running wild will come back into line! Keep pressing on in your faith walk! Keep telling the old, old story. When we persevere we build character and have more stories to share with a lost and dying world. Let us purpose to stand firm in our faith and be part of the church increasing not decreasing! Let's keep "The Movement" rolling! Are you with me?

Father, as we press on help us to further Your kingdom work. Help us share with others Your love and faithfulness to us. Fill us and use us as we run through this day. Help us focus on the truth, this world will pass away, but heaven awaits all who have placed their faith in You.

Look out! Barnabas has joined us and it will be a great day! See you tomorrow!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

September 25, 2019

September 25

Running with Jesus  

Acts 10:13-14 "And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean."

     We are bouncing around Cornelius salvation experience. We are now reading Peter's part in Cornelius coming to salvation. Peter went up onto the house top to pray while someone was preparing a meal. He was hungry but fell into a trance and God presents him with all kinds of food Jews were forbidden and unclean to eat and tells him to kill and eat them. Peter argues and God tells him not to call unclean what He calls clean.

     A knock on the door and Cornelius an unclean Gentile arrived and has asked for Peter, like the angel of the Lord told him to do. He tells Peter his story and salvation came to Cornelius, this unclean Gentile! Peter learned that day Salvation was not only for Jews but for Gentiles too. Jesus came to save all mankind. It is our responsibility to take the gospel to all the world!

      Are you and I prejudice and hold back on presenting the gospel to all men. We must realize we are to witness to any person placed in our path. In verse 34 Peter said, "God is no respecter of persons."  Salvation is for all men! 

Father, lead us to some soul longing to know You. Help us reach beyond our boundaries to the lost and dying world around us. We pray for the eyes of truth to be opened for all nations. We pray they will see clearly that Jesus is the only way to heaven and no man comes to the Father but those who trust in His work on the cross, dying for their sin.  Without the shedding of blood there is no remission for sin. Jesus died for all!  Amen, amen, and amen! 

The church is spreading, see you in the morning!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

September 24, 2019

   September 24  

  Running with Jesus  

     Judy Hollaway

Acts 10:47 "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

     We have taken a rest from running the last couple of days and camped out with our friend Cornelius. You need to read Acts 10 to know all about Cornelius’ character and this story. He was a God fearing man and an alms giver; however, he was not born again until later in this text. God was looking on him and his outward expression of wanting God and resulted in God sending salvation to this man! God noticed Cornelius’ heart and he always reached out to man and helping those in need. God is looking for a seeking heart. Cornelius was doing all he knew to do, reverenced and respected God and helped others. But this did not merit salvation. A lot of good people will not end up in heaven because they are trusting in their good works alone. Are we born again or just steeped in church traditions? Get up, go to church, sing three songs, toss a twenty in the offering plate, listen to a 30 minute message and go home unchanged and do nothing till the next Sunday. Conscience soothed and headed straight to hell, religious! This man did all these things but was not saved until God sent Peter to share the gospel with him. Reminds me of Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin court, religious man regular in attendance, knew the law but lost and on the way to hell. Jesus told him, “You must be born again”! 

     So let's examine your relationship with God. Are you going through the motions? Maybe today, God has sent this devotion to let you know doing religious things IS NOT SALVATION. God is looking into your heart, sees your good deeds but wants to bring you into a relationship with Him! Until we are born again, we are not saved and cannot have a relationship with God. 

     Today, Oh Father! I am praying for all those who are religious and do good things, to realize they do not know YOU! They may know all about the virgin birth, death, burial and resurrection in their heads BUT NOT THEIR HEARTS!!! I pray for conviction from the sweet Holy Spirit to open their hearts and eyes so they can see if what they have is real or just a pacifier, which does not change lives but just satisfies for a little bit and will lead straight to Hell!!! Father, I pray You reveal truth to their hearts. You want to touch lives and transform hearts so they will want the relationship with You that you desire them to have! AMEN!!!

      Cry out to God today. Repent and ask God to bring His Holy Spirit into Your life, receive His Spirit and be born again. Don't let Satan deceive you into believing good works saves you. This man was lost, but praise the Lord, God sent a messenger with the truth.

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

September 23, 2019

September 23
Running with Jesus  

Acts 10:4 "And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God."

      Today we will focus on this man Cornelius giving alms that was noticed by God.  Alms were donations given to the poor and needy and are given above the tithe. I have heard we have not given sacrificially until we learn to give alms. Our tithes are expected but alms are voluntary sacrificial giving. Church members do not usually realize that the blessings come when we go beyond giving our tithes. God looks upon our hearts and He is looking for givers.
       I can tell you from experience you will never out give God. He honors giving. He is our ultimate role model for giving. He gave His only Son for sinful men. God keeps on giving do you realize everything we have is a gift from God. He gives us energy and strength to work to be able to have money. He gives us air to breathe that sustains us. He gives grace and peace. He gives mercy and love. If God cease to give we would cease to live.
               

Father, help us to follow You, our ultimate role model of giving. If we see someone who has a need help us meet that need. Lord we want Your blessings upon our lives. Give us what we need to help others. Let us understand what it means to give alms. Help us to intentionally be a giver looking for opportunities as we go through this day.
               
I am not through with Cornelius, so expect him to run with us tomorrow!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015