¹(A Psalm of praise.) Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.²Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.³Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.⁴Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.⁵For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Notice the author refers to God as “LORD’ four times in five verses.

LORD = Jehovah, the I AM, the covenant keeper

Remember when God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, Moses asked God whom should he tell the people had sent him. Exodus 3:¹⁴ And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

The LORD saw the agony of the Israelites.

The LORD spared them from the plaques on Egypt.

The LORD rescued them from slavery.

The LORD led them to the Promised Land.

The LORD fed them manna daily for forty years.

The LORD gave them water from a rock.

The LORD showed them His shekinah glory.

The LORD fought for them and brought victory over their enemies.

The LORD gave them a tabernacle to meet with Him.

The LORD gave them commandments for living.

What does the I AM mean to you?

The psalmist tells us to make a joyful noise unto the LORD. He doesn’t say only if you have a beautiful voice. The LORD made the crow as well as the nightingale and enjoys the songs of both.

What is the connection between joy, gladness and singing?

What about serving the LORD brings gladness to you?

We can come before His presence 24/7! Why is that praiseworthy?

The LORD uniquely designed and created only one you. That means He knows all about you and completely understands you. How well do you understand yourself?

What does it matter to you to be part of His people?

What does it matter to you to be in His pasture?

What does it matter to have the LORD as your Shepherd; provision, protection, direction and correction?

You are welcome into His gates and into His court.

What does it matter to you that the gates to the most High God are always open to you?

What does it matter to you that you are welcome into His court, where judgment on issues is decided?

What is the difference between being thankful and giving thanks?

How can you bless His Name?

What does it matter to you that the LORD is good?

What does it matter to you that the LORD’s mercy is everlasting?

What does it matter to you that the LORD’s truth endures to all generations?

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

Waiting is never easy. Do you like to wait? God’s timing is most often not our timing. God is not limited to time. God always does what He says He will do but the timing of His action is His not ours. Where are you today? For what are you waiting? God cares! He loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love. God will come through for you.

Theology

¹ (To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.) Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. ²He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.

Wait =remain in a state of readiness until something expected happens

Salvation = saved from the penalty of your sin; being saved from the pattern and habit of sin; one  day removed from the very presence of sin

Defense =resistance and protection against attack

How can you remain in a state of readiness as you wait for God’s answer?

Do you see God as your defense? Why or why not?

Life

³How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence. ⁴They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.

You and I live in a fallen creation. All around us are those with sin natures, living in rebellion to God. How can you show your trust in God as you live your life?

Application

⁵My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. ⁶He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved. ⁷In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Expectation = a mental attitude of anticipation

Refuge = a place of shelter, protection and safety

Strength = physical, mental, moral power

Are you standing in the Rock?

Sharing

⁸Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Trust = confidence and reliance on the integrity, strength, ability and surety of a person

When is it easiest for you to trust God?

When is it most difficult for you to trust God?

How do you pour out your heart to God?

Teaching

⁹Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity. ¹⁰Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.

Is your heart seeking riches as the solution?

Portrait of God

¹¹God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. ¹²Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

What does this description of God mean to you?

What do the words of this psalm mean to you?

How can you apply this psalm to your current circumstances?

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

Psalm 61:¹(To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm of David.) Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. ²From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. ³For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. ⁴I will abide in thy tabernacle forever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. ⁵For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name. ⁶Thou wilt prolong the king’s life: and his years as many generations. ⁷He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him. ⁸So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.

Neginah = to be played on a stringed instrument

Situation

David’s heart is overwhelmed

This is one of the short psalms of David. We do not know at what time in his life it was written.

What about you?

Is your heart overwhelmed with circumstances, people, health or financial issues?

David looks to Who God is

The rock that is higher than I

The shelter

a strong tower from the enemy

the tabernacle (the place where God meets with His people)

The One Who provides wings to cover

the One Who hears

the One Who gives heritage to those that fear thy name

the One Who gives mercy and truth to preserve us

the One Who preserves us to abide with Him forever

What do these characteristics of God mean to you?

Which of these characteristics of God matters most to you today? Thank Him.

David responds to his circumstances and Who God is

Prayer

Abide in Him and trust

Sing praise

How will you respond to your circumstances and Who God is?

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

911 to Jesus using the 3Cs

You and I have a Creator Who loves us, has a specific good plan for our lives and wants fellowship with us. When you and I receive Jesus as Lord and Savior we have 24/7 access to Him. King David in the 10^th century BC identified 3 different ways to access Jesus. Perhaps it is because our circumstances differ and access needs to adapt to the need.

Call

Psalm 55:¹⁶As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.

We can call upon Jesus. He is always there. There will be no “hold please”. There will be no “call back later please”. He is always there.

Call – to ask or request

Psalm 50:¹⁵ And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Psalm 145:¹⁸ The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

Jeremiah 33:² Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name; ³Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Hebrews 4:¹³ Neither 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.

Cry

Psalm 55¹⁷Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. ¹⁸He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me. ¹⁹God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God. ²⁰He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant. ²¹The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.

Sometimes the problem is too great, the pain is too much and the difficulty too overwhelming to articulate. We just cry out to Jesus.

Cry – to call loudly; to yelp

Psalms 145: ¹⁹He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

Romans 8:¹⁵ For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. ¹⁶The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: ¹⁷And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. ¹⁸For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Galatians 4:⁴ But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, ⁵To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. ⁶And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. ⁷Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Cast

Psalm 55²²Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Cast – to throw or hurl

1 Peter 5:⁶ Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: ⁷Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

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 and I are still human. You and I still make mistakes. You and I still make wrong choices with bad consequences. Even after you and I receive Jesus as Lord and Savior and He re-creates us with a new nature, you and I still sin. So what should you and I do when we realize we have sinned? The Bible provides for us a 10^th century B.C. record of David’s example. God knew you and I would do wrong. God prepared His solution. What wondrous love!

You remember the story. David was a man after God’s own heart. But – David lusted for Bathsheba and committed adultery with her. When she was with child, he arranged for her husband to be killed in battle.

Acknowledge Who God is and ask God for forgiveness and cleansing

¹(To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.) Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.²Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Mercy = not giving us what we deserve

Acknowledge that sin is against God

³For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.⁴Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

Acknowledge the difference between humans and a holy God

⁵Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. ⁶Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

We live in a fallen creation. Sin and death have entered the world. Everyone is born with a sinful rebellious nature, which struggles for control over our new nature in Jesus.

Ask God for divine help

⁷Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. ⁸Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. ⁹Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. ¹⁰Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.¹¹Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. ¹²Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. ¹³Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. ¹⁴Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. ¹⁵O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. ¹⁶For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. ¹⁷The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. ¹⁸Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.¹⁹Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

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

Psalm 47:¹ (To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.) O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

Triumph = joy over success

What success in your life brings joy to you today?

What words will you sing and shout triumphantly to God?

God’s majesty

²For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.

LORD = Jehovah, the I AM

Terrible = formidably great

What does God being the I AM mean to you?

What about God’s greatness matters to you?

God’s great deeds

³He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet. ⁴He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah. ⁵God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet. ⁶Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.

Subdue = bring into subjection

Choose = to select by preference

The upright are those who receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They stand in His righteousness alone, not in their own. What is the inheritance of the upright? What do you remember from our study of our earthly inheritance and our heavenly inheritance?  The future components of your inheritance are incorruptible (cannot be perverted, dissolved or decayed); undefiled (cannot be made dirty); fade not away (cannot become dim, lose freshness, strength or health); reserved for you in Heaven (set apart particularly for you and kept by special arrangement for you).

The present components of our inheritance include: rest; relationship with your Creator, Savior and Lord; residence – your body as the tabernacle of the triune God; victory and freedom from sin; abundant living with the fruit of the Spirit. These present components are what our enemy wants to steal. What do these verses tell you and me to do to avoid the enemy stealing you present inheritance components?

What about your inheritance matters most to you today?

How do you see God subduing your enemies?

God’s dominion

⁷For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. ⁸God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness. ⁹The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.

Understanding = knowledge of or familiarity of a particular thing

Reign = possess sovereign power and authority

Holiness =spiritually pure, inspiring fear and awe

Shield = devise for defense and protection

What is your understanding of God?

Why does it matter to you that God reigns?

What about God’s holiness matters most to you?

Why does it matter to you that that the shields of the earth belong to God?

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 (A Psalm of David.) Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. ²For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. ³Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. ⁴Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. ⁵Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. ⁶And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. ⁷Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

How easy and tempting it is to fret because of the evildoers. We see what they do and sometimes we see them prosper temporarily. What insight into God’s perspective and viewpoint do these verses give you?

What are you fretting about today? Have you talked with Jesus about it?

Fret = to feel worry, annoyance, discontent

Trust =to believe in and rely upon

Delight =to take pleasure, satisfaction and enjoyment

Commit =to entrust for safekeeping

Rest =to depend and rely on

God marks a difference between the righteous and the wicked

⁸Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. ⁹For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. ¹⁰For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. ¹¹But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. ¹²The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. ¹³The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. ¹⁴The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. ¹⁵Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. ¹⁶A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.¹⁷For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous. ¹⁸The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be forever. ¹⁹They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. ²⁰But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. ²¹The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.²²For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

What insight into God’s perspective and viewpoint do these verses give you?

The upright are those who receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They stand in His righteousness alone, not in their own. What is the inheritance of the upright? What do you remember from our study of our earthly inheritance and our heavenly inheritance?  The future components of our inheritance are incorruptible (cannot be perverted, dissolved or decayed); undefiled (cannot be made dirty); fade not away (cannot become dim, lose freshness, strength or health); reserved for you and me in Heaven (set apart particularly for you and me and kept by special arrangement for you and me).

The present components of our inheritance include: rest; relationship with your Creator, Savior and Lord; residence – your body as the tabernacle of the triune God; victory and freedom from sin; abundant living with the fruit of the Spirit. These present components are what our enemy wants to steal. What do these verses tell you and me to do to avoid the enemy stealing you present inheritance components?

God provides and does not forsake

²³The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. ²⁴Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. ²⁵I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. ²⁶He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. ²⁷Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.²⁸For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. ²⁹The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever.³⁰The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. ³¹The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. ³²The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. ³³The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. ³⁴Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. ³⁵I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.³⁶Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. ³⁷Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. ³⁸But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. ³⁹But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. ⁴⁰And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

What do these verses of God’s provision mean to you?

What do these verses of God not forsaking mean to you?

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

Praise and rejoice in the LORD

¹ Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. ²Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. ³Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise.

Comely = proper, seemly, becoming

Upright = adhering to righteousness and honesty

Sing =to vocalize melodically

Why is it proper for the upright to rejoice in the LORD?

Did you sing to God today?

What words would you sing to Him in your current circumstances?

What do you have to praise God for?

Reasons to praise God

⁴For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. ⁵He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. ⁶By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. ⁷He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. ⁸Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. ⁹For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. ¹⁰The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. ¹¹The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

What goodness of the LORD do you see in the earth?

What counsel do you need from God today?

God watches out for you

¹²Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. ¹³The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. ¹⁴From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. ¹⁵He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.

Looks = to turn one’s eyes toward something

Beholds = to observe

Fashions =to make or adjust

Heart = the center of the total personality, especially with reference to intuition, feeling or  emotion

Considers = to think carefully about in order to make a decision

What does it mean to you that God is watching over you?

What does it mean to you that God watches what you do?

You are an unique creation of God. You have a unique personality. Your emotions are your own, no one can tell you how you should feel. God does not make cookie-cutter Christians. He has uniquely, designed and created you. Your meaningful experiences shaped your inner self and every one of them is known to God. Nothing happens to you, except He allows it for His own purpose. He is able to work all things together for your good.

Deliverance is from God alone

¹⁶There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. ¹⁷An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. ¹⁸Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; ¹⁹To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. ²⁰Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. ²¹For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. ²²Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.

Fear = reverential trust

Mercy = God not giving us what we deserve

Death = complete separation of the soul from God

What are your circumstances today?

Are you trusting God or things?

Do you see God as your help and your shield? Why? Why not?

Is your hope in God? Why? 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

Is the waiting room ever fun? So why do we wait? We wait for the doctor because he/she has knowledge and the ability to treat our ailments and restore our health. We wait for the attorney because he/she has knowledge and the ability to solve our legal problems. We wait for the counselor because he/she has knowledge and can provide direction, educated advice and understanding. We wait because the wait is worth it. We wait expecting that the benefits will come.

Davi d’s advice written around 10^th century B.C.

Psalms 27:¹³I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. ¹⁴Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Goodness =moral excellence, kindness, generosity

Wait = to remain in a state of repose and readiness until something expected happens

Courage = the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to fave difficulty, danger, pain, etc.  without fear

Strength =physical, mental, moral power

What strength do you need from the I AM today? Physical power? Moral power?

Mental power?

Courage for the Israelites written in 14^th century B.C.

Joshua 1:⁶ Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. ⁷Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. ⁸This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. ⁹Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

What goodness of the Lord did the Israelites see in the Promised Land?

When did the Israelites wait?

When did the Israelites show courage?

How and when did the Lord strengthen the hearts of the Israelites?

What applications from the Israelites in the Promised Land can you take for your situation?

Courage for Paul written in A.D. 60

Acts 28:¹² And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. ¹³And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: ¹⁴Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. ¹⁵And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

What goodness of the Lord did Paul see in the land of the living?

When did Paul wait?

When did Paul show courage?

How and when did the Lord strengthen the heart of Paul?

What applications from Paul can you take for your situation?

Encouragement from Isaiah chapter 40, written in the 8^th century B.C.–

²⁸ Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. ²⁹He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. ³⁰Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: ³¹But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

What does Isaiah’s encouragement mean to you?

So where are you today? For what are you waiting? Are you waiting for God to supply a need? Are you waiting for God to fulfill your dream? Are you waiting for God to bring justice and avenge your enemy? Are you waiting for God to give direction? Are you waiting for God to answer to your question? Are you waiting for an answer to your prayer?

Our God does not change. There is no shadow of turning with Him. The same God Who provided for the Israelites, for Isaiah and for Paul provides for you and me today. That is why we should wait on Him!

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

Triumphant = rejoicing over success; exulting over victory

Faith = confidence or trust; belief not based on proof

Hebrews 11:¹Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

What is needed in order for faith to be triumphant? Over what will your faith triumph?

For what are you hoping?

Can you find a Bible verse on which to base that hope?

God is the I AM

¹ (A Psalm of David.) The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? ²When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Notice again that David refers to God as Jehovah – the I AM.

Light =something that illuminates and makes things visible.

What light do you need today? Light as you sort through options and choices? Light as you sift through puzzling relationships or circumstances? Light as you search for the truth?

Salvation = you are saved from the penalty of your sin; you are being saved from the pattern and habit of sin; someday you will be saved from the very presence of sin and lose your sin nature.

Strength =physical, mental, moral power

What strength do you need from the I AM today? Physical power? Moral power?

Mental power?

Remember when the multitude with swords and clubs came to the Garden of Gethsemane to take Jesus and He told them that He was Jesus of Nazareth, they went backward and fell to the ground? (John 18:6). Why do you think only John recorded that fact?

What does that mean to you today?

Praise and Trust in the I AM

³Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. ⁴One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. ⁵For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. ⁶And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

Petition the I AM

⁷Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. ⁸When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. ⁹Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. ¹⁰When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. ¹¹Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. ¹²Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

Wait on the I AM

¹³I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. ¹⁴Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

How can you apply David’s words to your journey today?

Which verse in David’s psalm matters most to you today?

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