June 24, 2019

June 24

Running with Jesus  

Luke 20:46  Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;

     Jesus was warning His disciples about the religious leaders who had come to question Him. They called him master at the end of their conversation. This meant teacher! This was just part of their scheme!

     Today we have religious people who attend churches who do not stand true to Biblical teachings. They have a form of Godliness but deny its power! They lead many astray! He says they have a greater punishment! If someone followed you would it lead them to Jesus? 

     There are many religions running free around us so don't be deceived by their teaching! Pay attention to what they do with Jesus! Don't follow religion! It is all about a personal walk with Christ.

     We need to be careful what we teach not only in words but appearance.  We teach more especially in our homes by what we do! When we watch inappropriate TV shows we are teaching, when we are not serving with a good attitude our kids and grandkids notice. They imitate what they see. When our oldest son Michael started playing baseball and walked up to bat he would spit just like the major league layers. We know most of them were using tobacco products. 

      As a teacher of the Word we will be held accountable so let's take teaching very serious and not cause people to stumble. God's laws never changes only people's minds change. Be careful what you see, hear and do, somebody is learning.

Father, be our Lord and help us be aware of what we are teaching those around us.  Teach us as we study Your Holy Word and help us live by Your Holy Word! 

Lesson on giving, tomorrow!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

June 23, 2019

June 23

Running with Jesus  

Luke 20:36 "Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection."

     The Sadducees came to Jesus asking Him questions about resurrection life. This is odd since they didn't believe in a resurrection. Jesus answered in a way to confirm there is a resurrection. In a few days Jesus would confirm resurrection life by His own death. I am so thankful we have that hope of resurrection life. So many of us have lost so many of our loved ones and being separated for a season in life is so hard. We long to see their faces. My nephew posted a picture of my dad who passed away in 1985 a few days ago and I longed to hear his voice. I can rejoice knowing that death is not final it is just like they are in another room and one day we will see them again! I am so thankful knowing this to be true! 

     I know many of you are broken hearted but time will pass and you will be reunited sooner than you think. So let's just look forward to the hope we have. 

 Father, thank You for Your Word that helps us understand the perils of life and we can rest in our Hope. Thank You for helping us deal with life and for the fact we can know we have eternal life by placing our faith in the sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ! 

     If you don't have this Hope, place your trust in Christ and receive Him into your heart today. Then you too can have the joy of knowing we will be together again forever! It won’t be long. In the mean time rest in Him and serve Him that is what that love one would tell you to do.

Watch out! Having a religious appearance that lead people astray, meet you in the morning!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

June 22, 2019

June 22

Running with Jesus  

Luke 20:25 “And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's."

     Well on a soap box today! The big words we hear today "be tolerant" and "compromise".

     The chief priests and scribes got so mad and low they hired people to spy on Jesus so they could have Him arrested. Jesus being God knew their thoughts and what they were up to. He turned their questions on them and used them to give a lesson. They started with trying to get Him to say something against Caesar. He gave a lesson on render unto Caesar things that pertain to him and render unto God things that pertain to Him.

     Now here is the snag, when government tries to overpower Godly principles we are not to cave in. Government and society want us to accept morally impure lifestyles that go against what God says are right and wrong. More than ever we must take a stand to obey God and not man. Man made laws should never trump God's commands. We must remember Daniel, and His 3 friends who stood firm. God delivered them and they didn't bow down and didn't eat the king’s food. They were stronger, wiser, and blessed. Let's not give in to tolerance and compromise!

 Father, we ask for strength for the days ahead and for boldness when we are faced to walk in disobedience to Your Word and commands. Lord raise up Godly men to help change our nation. Help our churches stand strong and not buy into this way of thinking! Keep our hearts in steadfast love and help us obey You till life on earth for us is over! 

Tomorrow: Resurrection life is real!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

June 21, 2019

June 21

Running with Jesus  

Luke 20:17 And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?

       In Isaiah the prophet told of the Messiah to come and would be "The Corner Stone". This only inflamed the religious council because they knew exactly what He was saying! He was The Cornerstone and they were rejecting Him.

       Every building needs a cornerstone that provides a sure solid foundation. The cornerstones provide stability and security for the building.

       Christ is the cornerstone for the church. He is the cornerstone that we need to build our lives upon. Many wonder why their lives are not secure and stable, many have rejected "The Cornerstone", Jesus Christ. If we try to build our lives on anything in the world we have a false security! Why? Everything in the world is temporary, people die, places change and things won’t last. Job's are being closed daily and people have worked in that place for years. Nothing is secure only one thing never changes and can take us through anything that life brings us and that is our "Cornerstone", Jesus Christ. Don't reject Him because in the end it will crush you! Why anyone wants to reject a loving God amazes me! I would rather take my chances on Christ because I have nothing to lose! If you reject Him you stand to lose everything!

Let's Thank God for our "Cornerstone" this morning!

Father, we praise You for our sure foundation. Please open the eyes of the blinded!

Tomorrow: On a soapbox, don't miss it!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015

June 20, 2019

June 20

Running with Jesus

Luke 20:1-2  "And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?"

      Jesus is so much closer to His crucifixion and He is still teaching and preaching in the temple and the religious are seeking ways to have Him taken to trial and get rid of Him. They don't like His teaching because He is revealing what is in their hearts and what scripture had said they would do. So they ask by whose authority hoping to get Him to say something to be able to arrest Him! He knew what they were doing! 

      In a few days He would be killed to free us but also give us authority to be a witness. Matthew 28:18-19 KJV "And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son.”               We need to utilize the authority (the delegated authority God has given to His saints). We have authority in His Spirit. This authority is the power we need for living in order to be an effective witness. If we could tap into just a tiny bit, we could do so much more to help others in this world. How less defeated we would be in the events of life we encounter. How much more we could run and win our races. 

     Authority is found by allowing God to work in us to develop the character of Jesus. We have to be willing to be remade. We must stay on the potter’s wheel to be shaped and molded. We don't like it and it does not usually feel good but it is worth it in the end. 

Father, do Your work in us that we might use the authority in order to be effective in Your kingdom work. We yield ourselves to You today. 

Jesus is the cornerstone, tomorrow!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015