God contrasts His strength to idols

Isaiah 46:¹ Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were heavy loaden; they are a burden to the weary beast. ^{2They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity. 3Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb: 4And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. 5To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like? 6They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship. 7They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble. 8Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors.9Remember 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: 11Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. 12Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness: 13I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.}

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

God intervenes in the life of David

We continue our series examining Biblical records contrasting sin and the consequences of sin with two words: But God. Our Creator is love and He concerns Himself with the welfare of His creation. Jesus told us that our Heavenly Father feeds the birds; clothes the lilies of the fields; and numbers the hairs on each of our heads, even though the number changes daily.

We live in a fallen creation, Sin and death have entered the world, which is no longer perfect and not even good. Yet, a holy God chooses to concern Himself with us. The Bible shows many situations where God intervenes.  Let’s examine some records of God’s intervention in specific  lives

King Saul with his army sought to kill David

1 Samuel 23:¹⁴ And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.

Notice God’s deliverance was not one time but daily!

What does this record tell you about God’s power?

What does this record tell you about God’s attention to the details of life?

What does this record tell you about God’s love for His creation?

What do you learn about God from this record?

David’s confidence in God

Psalm 49:⁵ Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about? ⁶They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;⁷None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: ⁸(For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) ⁹That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption. ¹⁰For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. ¹¹Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue forever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names. ¹²Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish. ¹³This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah. ¹⁴Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling. ¹⁵But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.

What does it mean to you to be redeemed from the grave and received by God?

What do you learn about God from this record?

David acknowledges his limitations
Psalm 73:²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.²⁶My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever. ²⁷For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.²⁸But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Why do you think David says God is the strength of his heart?

What is the purpose of the heart?

What do you learn about God from this record?

Can you find other records in the Bible where sin and the consequences of sin are contrasted with these two words: But God?

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, ²Looking 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 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 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 you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

God intervenes to defeat death

We begin a new series examining Biblical records contrasting sin and the consequences of sin with two words: But God. Our Creator is love and He concerns Himself with the welfare of His creation. Jesus told us that our Heavenly Father feeds the birds; clothes the lilies of the fields; and numbers the hairs on each of our heads, even though the number changes daily.

We live in a fallen creation, Sin and death have entered the world, which is no longer perfect and not even good. Yet, a holy God chooses to concern Himself with us. The Bible shows many situations where God intervenes.  Let’s begin our examination to learn more about the holy God Who rules all yet cares for you and me.

Paul in reviewing the history of the Jews

Acts 13:²⁶Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. ²⁷For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. ²⁸And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. ²⁹And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. ³⁰But God raised him from the dead:

What difference does it make that God raised Jesus from the dead?

What difference does it make to you that God raised Jesus from the dead?

Paul in his letter to the church at Ephesus

Ephesians 2:¹And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; ²Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: ³Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. ⁴But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, ⁵Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) ⁶And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: ⁷That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

What is the difference between dead in trespasses and sin and being quickened?

Knowledge of the One true God

Mercy = not giving us what we deserve

Grace = giving us what we do not deserve

What do you know of God’s mercy?

What do you know of God’s grace?

What mercy and grace from God have you experienced?

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, ²Looking 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 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 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 you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

Our county was under a tornado watch! Strong winds howled throughout the night. I prayed, asking Jesus for His protection. It was hard to sleep. I saw several houses around us with lights on. People were awake and not in bed sleeping. In the morning, the winds died down. Our neighbor’s spouting was broken but nothing else in our neighborhood was damaged. Jesus answered! Jesus protected us! To God be the glory!

Psalm 46:¹(To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. ²Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; ³Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. ⁴There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. ⁵God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. ⁶The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. ⁷The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. ⁸Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth. ⁹He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. ¹⁰Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. ¹¹The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Refuge =shelter, protection from danger or trouble

Strength =mental and moral effective force

Present = current, occurring now

Help = to save, rescue, provide what is necessary

Trouble = worry, distress, agitate, difficulty

What do these words mean to you?

How has Jesus provided a refuge for you?

How has Jesus provided strength for you?

How has Jesus provided help for you?

Jesus’ invitation to you and me

Jeremiah 33:³ Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

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

How long were the Israelites enslaved in Egypt?

In a recent neighborhood Bible study, we were discussing the last chapters of Genesis. Someone asked about the length of time the Israelites were enslaved to Egypt and the discrepancy between two verses.

400 years

Genesis 15:¹³And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; ^{14And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. 15And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. 16But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.}

Notice this verse refers to affliction for 400 years.

430 years

Exodus 12:⁴⁰Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. ^{41And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.}

Notice this verse refers to sojourning for 430 years.

Why the difference between sojourning and affliction?

Exodus 1:⁶ And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. ⁷And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them. ⁸Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. ⁹And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: ¹⁰Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land. ¹¹Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.

Our LORD frees the Israelites after 430 years
Exodus 12:⁴⁰ Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. ⁴¹And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.

Stephen reminds us of our LORD’s provision

Acts 7:⁶ And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. ⁷And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.

So what do you conclude?

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

Jesus is sovereign

Jesus, our God, our Redeemer, our Savior and our Friend is sovereign.

He knows everything from the beginning to the end

He can do everything according to His divine nature

He will not lie.  Numbers 23:¹⁹ God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

He will not change. Malachi 3:⁶ For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

He will not do unjustly. Genesis 18:²³ And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? ²⁴Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? ²⁵That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

10^th century BC – Psalms 147:⁵Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

What do these words mean to you?

8^th century BC – Isaiah 46:⁹Remember 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 do these words mean to you?

7^th century B.C. Jeremiah 32:²⁶Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying, ²⁷Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?

What do these words mean to you?

6^th century BC – 2 Kings 6:⁸ Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. ⁹And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down. ¹⁰And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice. ¹¹Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not shew me which of us is for the king of Israel? ¹²And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber. ¹³And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan. ¹⁴Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about. ¹⁵And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? ¹⁶And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. ¹⁷And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. ¹⁸And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. ¹⁹And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria. ²⁰And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. ²¹And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them? ²²And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. ²³And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.

What do these words mean to you?

5^th century – 1 Chronicles 29:¹⁰Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. ¹¹Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.¹²Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

What do these words mean to you?

1st century AD – Luke 1:²⁶ And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth²⁷To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. ²⁹And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. ³⁰And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. ³¹And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. ³²He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: ³³And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. ³⁴Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? ³⁵And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. ³⁶And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. ³⁷For with God nothing shall be impossible.

What do these words mean to you?

1^st century AD – Matthew 19:²⁶But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

What do these words mean to you?

Where are you today? What are your circumstances? Jesus stands ready to assist you. He loves you. He knows all about the situation. Will you ask Him for help?

Matthew 11:²⁸Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

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

Where are you today? What are your circumstances? When you and I receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior He gives us a new nature, forgiveness of sins, a relationship with our Creator.

We have every reason to praise Him!

God’s greatness

¹ (David’s Psalm of praise.) I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. ²Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. ³Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. ⁴One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. ⁵I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. ⁶And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.

God’s goodness

⁷They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.⁸The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. ⁹The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. ¹⁰All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.

Goodness =moral excellence, virtue, kindness, generosity

Righteousness =the quality of being just

Gracious =pleasantly kind and benevolent

Compassion= feeling of sympathy accompanied by a desire to alleviate suffering

Anger = strong feeling of displeasure aroused by a wrong

Mercy = God not giving us what we deserve

Works = the result of labor

Praise =expression of approval, admiration, commendation

God’s glory

¹¹They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; ¹²To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. ¹³Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

God’s grace

¹⁴The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. ¹⁵The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. ¹⁶Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. ¹⁷The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. ¹⁸The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. ¹⁹He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. ²⁰The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy. ²¹My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.

Our God is great! Our God is good! Our God is gracious! Our God’s kingdom endures forever!

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

Acknowledging God’s intimate knowledge of you

¹(To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.) O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. ²Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. ³Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. ⁴For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. ⁵Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

What does God understanding your thoughts mean to you?

What does God’s understanding how you do things mean to you?

What does it mean to you that God surrounds you and lays His hand upon you?

When I think of those who have no concern for their Creator, I wonder.

Acknowledging God’s greatness

⁶Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. ⁷Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? ^8If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. ⁹If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; ¹⁰Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. ¹¹If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. ¹²Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

Knowledge =acquaintance with facts and truth

Wonderful =excellent, amazing, marvelous

Hell = the abode of evil and condemned spirits

Praise for God’s intimate knowledge of you

¹³For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. ¹⁴I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.¹⁵My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. ¹⁶Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.¹⁷How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!¹⁸If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

Aligning your morality with God’s

¹⁹Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. ²⁰For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. ²¹Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? ²²I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.

Requesting God’s provision and protection

²³Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: ²⁴And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

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

You remember the story from 10^th century B.C. David was anointed to be the next king of Israel by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13).  King Saul tried to murder David (1 Samuel 18:11).

Now David has escaped and is hiding in a cave at Engedi (1 Samuel 23:29-24:1-3).

The history

¹(Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave.) I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. ²I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. ³When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.

The problem

⁴I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. ⁵I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. ⁶Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

Refuge = shelter and protection from danger

Portion = part of the whole allotted to one

Deliver = to set free

Persecutors = to pursue persistently with harassing, oppressive treatment

Have you ever felt alone with no one to care about you?

What does it mean to you for the Lord to be your portion in the land of the living?

The request

⁷Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.

Do you know what it is like to feel your soul is in prison? What other words would you use to describe that feeling?

Do you find it hard to praise God in some circumstances?

Why do you think David desires the righteous people to surround him?

Do you expect God to deal bountifully with you? Why or why not?

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

¹ Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. ²The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

Praise = the offering of grateful homage as an act of worship

Notice that praise is an act of will – Will you choose to praise the LORD?

What has the LORD done for you?

What reasons do you have to praise the LORD?

Do you look for God’s hand in your circumstances? What do you see?

Who the LORD is and what He does

³His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth forever. ⁴He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. ⁵He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant. ⁶He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen. ⁷The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. ⁸They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. ⁹He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant forever: holy and reverend is his name. ¹⁰The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth forever.

Gracious = giving us what we do not deserve

Compassion = a feeling of deep sympathy accompanied by a desire to alleviate the suffering

Which of the LORD’s works do you most enjoy? Flowers? Birds? How He orchestrates circumstances? The night sky? Clouds? Rainbows? Seasons?

What power do you see in His works?

What does the righteousness of the LORD enduring forever mean to you?

What does it matter to you that the LORD is mindful of His covenant?

Do you fear the LORD?

Verity = quality of being true, in accordance with fact and reality

Fear = reverential trust

Redemption = deliverance and rescue

Wisdom = knowledge of what is true coupled with just discernment

What do you know of the New Covenant He makes with everyone who receives Jesus as Lord and Savior? (Hebrews 8)

the New Covenant is better

the New Covenant is established on better promises

the New Covenant provides Jesus as Mediator

The Lord promises to put His laws into our minds

The Lord promises to write His laws in our hearts

The Lord promises to be our God and to have us for His people

The Lord promises each of us shall know Him

The Lord promises He will be merciful to our unrighteousness

The Lord promises to remember our sins and iniquities no more

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