Sometimes our world is complex. You and I have choices to make, decisions about what to do. Our Creator, Savior and Friend knows the best choice and wants the best for you and me. He desires to give counsel because He loves you and me.

Solomon wrote about that counsel

Proverbs 19:²¹ There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

Counsel = help, advice, a recommended course of action

LORD = Jehovah, the I AM, the Covenant Keeper

Will you ask for the LORD’s help and advice?

In the 10^th century B.C. David and Solomon wrote:

Psalm 33:¹⁰ The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. ^{11The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.}

Proverbs 16:⁹ A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

What do these words matter to you?

In the 8^th century B.C. Isaiah wrote:

Isaiah 46:⁹ Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, ^{10Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:}

What does it matter to you that our God knows the end from the beginning?

In 68 A.D. Paul wrote to the Hebrews
Hebrews 6:¹³ For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, ^{14Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. 15And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 16For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. 17Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 19Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 20Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.}

What does the faithfulness of God matter to you?

Our focus = Hebrews 12:¹Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Our challenge = Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you, has uniquely designed and created only one you, has a good   plan for your life, runs with you and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti