You and I live in a fallen creation that is no longer perfect and not even good. Sin and death have entered our world. Everyone is born with a sinful, rebellious nature in the likeness of Adam. But God so loves you and me that He sent His Son to die on the cross and conquer death as the only solution to our sin problem.

So where are you today? Are your circumstances difficult? Is there trouble anywhere? Jesus loves you and cares about you!

In 68 A.D. the writer wrote these words

Hebrews 4:¹³Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. ¹⁴Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. ¹⁵For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Mercy = God not giving you and me what we deserve

Grace = God giving you and me what we do not deserve

What do these words matter to you?

In the year 60 A.D. Paul wrote these words to the church at Ephesus

Ephesians 3:²⁰Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, ²¹Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

What do you think Jesus should do?

What do you ask Jesus to do?

What does it matter to you that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly more?

What do these words matter to you?

In the year 68 A.D. Jude wrote these words

Jude ²⁴ Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, ²⁵To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

What does it matter to you that Jesus is able to keep you from falling?

What does it matter to you that Jesus is able to present you faultless before the presence of His glory?

What does it matter to you that it will give exceeding joy for Jesus to present you faultless before the presence of His glory?

What does it matter to you that our Savior is the only wise God?

What do these words matter to you?

So what is your answer? How able is Jesus?

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore 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.³ For 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