Where are you today? What are your circumstances? So many people are sick. So many people have lost loved ones. So many people are unemployed. So many businesses are closed. So many schools are closed or doing remote learning. The prophet Jeremiah wrote words of encouragement for you and me.

Jeremiah gave God’s prophecy to the people of Judah, seeking them to return to the LORD and give up their false gods. But the people did not believe him and did not obey. In 586 B.C. Judah was conquered by Babylon. Jeremiah wrote the book of Lamentations, lamenting the fall of Judah and Jerusalem.

Jeremiah’s 6^th century B.C. encouragement for you and me
Lamentations 3:²¹ This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. ^{22It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.}

Hope =feeling that events will turn out for the best

LORD = the giver of life, Jehovah, the I AM, the Covenant Keeper

Mercy= God not giving us what we deserve

Consumed =destroyed

Compassion =a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

Faithfulness = true to one’s word and promises

What do these words tell you about God?

What do these words matter to you?

How can you apply these words to your situation today?

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 with an everlasting, unconditional love; 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 being yoked to Emmanuel!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

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 together you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti