In the 8^th century BC, the prophet Isaiah documented this prophecy

Isaiah 11:¹ And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: ^{2And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 3And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 5And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.}

What does His spirit of the LORD matter to you?

Spirit of the LORD = Jehovah, the I AM

What does His spirit of wisdom matter to you?

Spirit of wisdom = knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.

What does His spirit of understanding matter to you?

Spirit of understanding = superior power of discernment; enlightened intelligence:

What does His spirit of counsel matter to you?

Spirit of counsel = opinion or instruction given in directing the judgment or conduct of another

What does His spirit of might matter to you?

Spirit of might = power

What does His spirit of knowledge matter to you?

Spirit of knowledge = the fact or state of knowing; the perception of fact or truth; clear and certain mental apprehension.

What does His spirit of fear of the LORD matter to you?

Spirit of the fear of the LORD = reverential trust

In the year 95 AD, John documented this vision

Revelation 1:⁴ John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; ^{5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.}

What do these words matter to you?

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

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 to obtain an incorruptible crown!

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!