We begin another year, a new year. Our church family will be memorizing these two verses this month. Pastor said we are never too old to memorize and reminded us that it is good to meditate on God’s Word. So we will memorize and meditate.

In the 1^st century A.D., Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome. After comparing the righteousness of works with the righteousness of faith and grace, he stressed in chapter 4 that righteousness of faith and grace is extended to Jews and Gentiles.

Romans 5:¹ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:²By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Faith = Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Justified = declared innocent or guiltless; absolved; acquitted

Peace = a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations

Access = the ability, right, or permission to approach, enter, speak with, or use; admittance

Stand = set upright

Grace = God giving us what we do not deserve

Rejoice = to take delight

Hope = to believe, desire, or trust

Glory = adoring praise or worshipful thanksgiving

What do these words matter to you?

How can you apply these words to your situation?

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