According to the writer of Hebrews, Jesus is the Great Shepherd of the sheep (Hebrews 13:20). A shepherd provides protection from creatures and things that would harm; provision of needs and personal attention; direction for advancement and safety; correction. Which do you need today? What are your circumstances? What do you need from Jesus?

This psalm petitioning God, also foreshadows what our Great Shepherd endured. What can we learn from this psalm?

Cry to Jesus

¹(To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David.) My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? ²O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.

Sometimes, do you feel alone? Sometimes do you feel God does neither hear nor answer you?

Jesus, our Great Shepherd, felt forsaken when He hung on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins and my sins. Jesus completely understands the human condition and He cares.

What does it mean to you that Jesus understands the feeling of being forsaken?

Remember your history with Jesus

³But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. ⁴Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. ⁵They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded. ⁶But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. ⁷All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, ⁸He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. ⁹But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother’s breasts.

What has Jesus accomplished for you?

What has Jesus accomplished through you?

In what ways did Jesus help you?

Express your need for Jesus in current trouble

¹⁰I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother’s belly. ¹¹Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help. ¹²Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. ¹³They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion. ¹⁴I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. ¹⁵My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. ¹⁶For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. ¹⁷I may tell all my bones: look and stare upon me. ¹⁸They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. ¹⁹But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me. ²⁰Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog. ²¹Save me from the lion’s mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

Strength =physical, mental, moral power

Help = to save, to rescue, to aid

A lion is a predator, whose roar can be heard for 5 miles. On average a male lion weighs 500 lb. and can run 50 miles per hour. The lion symbolizes your enemy’s ability to swiftly remind you of the past and to frighten you for the future and about what others think of you. Remember satan wants to ruin your life, destroy your testimony, steal your earthly inheritance and take others down with you.

Praise Jesus

²²I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.²³Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel. ²⁴For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard. ²⁵My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him. ²⁶The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever. ²⁷All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. ²⁸For the kingdom is the LORD’S: and he is the governor among the nations. ²⁹All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul. ³⁰A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. ³¹They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.

What does this psalm mean to you?

How do you relate David’s imagery to your current situation?

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

In the 10^th century B.C. David wrote this psalm. We do not know the specifics of his life at the time he wrote this psalm. But we know he had many difficulties. King Saul sought to kill him, He sinned with Bathsheba and had her husband murdered. What other difficulties can you recall?

Psalm 20:¹To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.) The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; ²Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; ³Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah. ⁴Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel. ⁵We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions. ⁶Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. ⁷Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. ⁸They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. ⁹Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.

David gives 9 reasons to trust God

1) The LORD hears you in the day of trouble

Hear =to listen to

What do you want the LORD to hear from you?

2)  The LORD defends you in the day of trouble

Defend = to ward off attack from; guard against assault or injury

From what do you want the LORD to defend you?

3) The LORD sends you help from His sanctuary

Help =to give or provide what is necessary to accomplish a task or satisfy a need

What help do you need from the LORD?

4) The LORD strengthens you

Strengthen =to make stronger

What strength do you need from the LORD?

5) the LORD remembers the sacrifices for you

Remember = to retain in the memory, to keep in mind

The LORD remembers the sacrifice Jesus gave in your place and my place!

6) The LORD accepts the offerings made for you

Accept offerings =to receive with approval

The LORD accepted the offering Jesus gave in your place and my place!

7) The LORD grant you according to your heart

Grant =to bestow or confer

What do you seek The LORD to grant you?

8) The LORD fulfill your desires you ask

Fulfill =to bring to realization

What do you ask God to bring to realization?

9) The LORD saves with the saving strength of His right hand

Saving strength =to make stronger in order to rescue or preserve

What saving strength do you want from the LORD?

What difficulty are you facing today? Will you chose to trust the LORD?

Trust = reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety of someone

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

In the 10^th century BC, King David identified 11 reasons to trust his God. David had enemies both before he became king and after he became king. David had problems both before he became king and after he became king. David was human, like you and me. David had strengths and limitations like you and me. David made mistakes like you and me. David was not perfect just like you and me. Yet David understood his need for God. David understood his God.

Psalm 18:¹(To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said,) I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. ²The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. ³I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

LORD = Jehovah, the I AM, the Covenant Keeper

David recognized his God as the One who made promises to Abraham; the One Who rescued His people from slavery in Egypt and brought them through the desert to the Promised Land.

Strength = body, mental, moral power

Why is it important for God to be strong physically, mentally and morally?

Rock =large and unmovable

Why is it important for God to be unmovable?

Fortress =stronghold with exceptional security

Why do you need to feel secure?

Deliverer = one who sets free and liberates

From what do you need to be free?

God =the Supreme Being, Creator and ruler of the universe

Why does it matter that God reigns supreme and created and maintains the universe?

Strength = body, mental, moral power

Why do you suppose David mentions this quality twice?

Buckler =shield

Why do you need a shield?

Horn of my salvation =strength of salvation

Why does it matter that we cannot save ourselves and need a Savior?

High tower =large fortress and stronghold

Why is a high tower important for defense?

Worthy = having great merit, character and value

What has God done for you that shows Him worthy of your praise?

King David identified 3 actions to take

In Whom I will trust

I will love thee, O LORD, my strength

I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Do you trust Him?

Do you love Him?

How often do you call upon 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

You and I live in a fallen creation that is no longer perfect and not even good. Sin and death have entered the world.  Everyone is born with a sinful, rebellious nature. David lived in the same fallen creation. Although this psalm was written by David, we do not know at what point in his life it was written. He talks about his enemies. Is the enemy the Philistines or Goliath the giant or King Saul or Absalom or Ahitophel (Bathsheba’s grandfather)? On what do you base your reliance?

Reliance = trustful dependence

Praise¹(A Prayer of David.) Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.²Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.³Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

Notice that David addresses God as ‘Jehovah – the I AM’. What is the significance?

We may come boldly to His throne of grace; come boldly to Jehovah, the Almighty God; the Righteous Judge; the One Who knows all about you and me – what are our problems? What are our limitations? What are our strengths?; the One Who fully understands our circumstances and predicaments; the One Who concerns Himself with our well-being.

Prayer = devout petition to God

Sentence =opinion given on a particular question

Proved =establish the truth or genuineness of

Tried =tested and proved dependable or trustworthy

Purposed =determination, resoluteness

Transgress = to violate a law or moral code; to sin

Provision

⁴Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.⁵Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. ⁶I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. ⁷Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.

Jehovah loves you and me with an everlasting, unconditional love. He provides His Word to keep us from the temptations and schemes of the destroyer.

He desires for you and me to call upon Him and He will hear.

Jehovah is worthy of your trust!

How can God’s Word keep you from the paths of the destroyer?

What does it matter to you that God will hear you?

What does it matter to you that God has marvelous loving kindness toward you?

What does it matter to you that God would save you from those who are against you?

Protection

⁸Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, ⁹From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about. ¹⁰They are enclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly. ¹¹They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth; ¹²Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places. ¹³Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword: ¹⁴From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.

Do you remember how Jehovah saved David from his enemies?

From Goliath? (1 Samuel 17:45-51)

From Saul? (1 Samuel 24)

From Absalom? (2 Samuel 18:9-14)

Why would we expect anything less from our Savior?

Joy from God, with God

¹⁵As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

Regardless of today’s circumstances, if Jesus is your Savior and Lord, there is coming a time when you will be free from the presence of sin; free from your sin nature; robed in His righteousness; and fully awake in His physical presence!

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

Refuge = a place of shelter, protection and safety

Have you ever been afraid? Have you ever felt not safe? David was about 20 years old when he wrote this psalm, sometime during the 10^th century B.C. The prophet Samuel had anointed David to be the future king of Israel. David resided with King Saul’s entourage and played the harp to calm the King, when he became anxious. David had escaped the javelin jealous King Saul threw at him multiple times. (1 Samuel 16:8 – 1 Samuel 18:12)

Psalm 11:¹ (To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.) In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? ²For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. ³If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? ⁴The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. ⁵The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. ⁶Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. ⁷For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

In the first three verses David identifies his trust in the LORD; describes his dangerous situation and asks two important questions.

His trust is in the LORD

Trust = reliance, confidence, hope in the integrity, strength, ability of another person

LORD =the I AM, the Deliverer of Israel, Jehovah, Yaweh the Covenant Keeper

Why do you think David states His trust in the Lord before he describes the danger?

Do you tend to focus on the problem or the LORD?

David’s question

How say ye to my soul, flee when I trust the LORD?

Perhaps David’s friends advised him to run away, as a bird would fly straight to the mountain.

Do you feel temptation to run away and avoid the danger?

Are you careful to evaluate the counsel others give you based on the Bible?

The danger

The wicked have already bent their bows ready to slay with an arrow to his heart

Remember King Saul has already attempted to slay David and even in front of witnesses!

David’s question

If everything around you, to support you, is destroyed what can you do?

In verses 4-7, David describes the reasons his trust is in the LORD

1) The LORD is in his holy temple-God resides in a holy place

Holy = spiritually pure

Temple =the place where God dwells and can be worshiped

Why does it matter that the LORD is pure?

2) the LORD’S throne is in heaven:

Throne =sovereign power and authority

Heaven = a place of supreme joy with no sin or sorrow

What is the significance of where the LORD’s throne is located?

3) His eyes behold, His eyelids try the children of men.

Behold = to observe

What is the significance of the LORD beholding mankind?

4) The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

Tries = tests the quality, value and fitness

Righteous = justifiable right in Jesus

Wicked = sinful, bad in principle and practice

Violence =rough and injurious force, action or treatment

Hates=feel extreme aversion and hostility; to intensely dislike

What does it matter to you that the LORD tries those who are justified by faith in Jesus Christ?

What does it matter to you that the LORD feels extreme hostility toward the sinful?

5) Upon the wicked He shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.

Snare = anything serving to entrap or entangle unaware

Tempest =violent disturbance

Portion = the part of a whole allotted to or belonging to a person

What does this reason to trust the LORD mean to you?

6) For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

Love =a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection

Countenance =appearance of the look or expression on the face

Behold = to observe

Upright =those who are in accordance with what is right

What difference does it make to you that the LORD loves those who are justified by faith in Jesus Christ and observes them?

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

Every morning ushers in a new day, full of possibilities both for successes and failures. What are your first thoughts when the morning greets you? Do you think about possibilities? Do you think about problems? Do you think about your failures? Do you think about unresolved issues? Do you think about your Creator, the One Who loves you unconditionally with an everlasting love; the One Who died on the cross to redeem you from the penalty of sin’s separation and rose again for your justification; the One Who has a good plan for your life?

David was a human being, born with a sin nature just like you and me. The Bible records a song he wrote to greet the morning.

The problem

¹(A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.) LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. ²Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.

You remember the story in 2 Samuel 13-15. Absalom avenged the rape of his sister, Tamar, by killing his brother Amnon, while their father, King David, did nothing but be angry. Then after 3 years in exile, King David allowed Absalom to return to Jerusalem but refused to see him for 2 more years. Now Absalom, King David’s son, was out to kill him and take the throne from him. King David fled Jerusalem and is running from his son. Do you know what it is like to have a family member want to hurt you?

Why do you think David directed his question to Jehovah, the I AM?

Are there people who think God can’t help you?

Do you ever feel so sinful that God can’t help you?

Do you ever see so much trouble and feel God can’t help you?

Where to look for protection

³But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. ⁴I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

Shield = a person or thing that protects

Glory =source of praise, honor, distinction

Lifter up of my head =There is a lifting up of the head by elevating to office, as with Pharaoh’s butler; this we trace to the divine appointment. There is a lifting up in honor after shame, in health after sickness, in gladness after sorrow, in restoration after a fall, in victory after a temporary defeat; in all these respects the Lord is the lifter up of your head.

The LORD is your resource

⁵I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. ⁶I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

Sustained = to support, hold, or bear up from below; to bear the weight of; as a structure.

Notice that David chooses to not be afraid but to focus on God.

 The power belongs to the LORD God

⁷Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. ⁸Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

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

 

Psalms 100 –Praise

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

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 mean to you to be part of His people?

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

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

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

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

What does it mean 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

Managing Your Response to Criticism

We all have critics. We are all different with different backgrounds, different viewpoints, different points of reference, different experiences. We are all still learning. But when you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, Jesus becomes your personal tutor and you grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus.

Paul told the Romans there is now no condemnation – Romans 8:¹ There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. ² For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.³ For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: ⁴ That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. ⁵ For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. ⁶ For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. ⁷ Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. ⁸ So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. ⁹ But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. ¹⁰ And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. ¹¹ But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. ¹² Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. ¹³ For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. ¹⁴ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 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. ¹⁶ The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:¹⁷ And 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.

What does it mean to you to have no condemnation now?

What lessons do you see in these verses?

Will you still do wrong and sin? Yes. Jesus Christ has graciously provided a solution to your sin problem. 1 John 1: ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

So you see this solution depends on the faithfulness and justice of Jesus Christ and not on you? You need only to confess your sin to Him.

Keep on trusting Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of your faith!

Trust that Jesus Christ is able to keep you standing, even when others criticize you.

Romans 14:³ Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. ⁴ Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand

1Corinthians 4:¹ Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. ² Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. ³ But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. ⁴ For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. ⁵ Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. ⁶ And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. ⁷ For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

What does it mean to you that Jesus Christ is able to keep you standing?

Jude:²⁴ Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, ²⁵ To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

What does it mean to you that Jesus Christ is able to present you faultless when you cross the finish line of your race into His physical presence?

What does it mean to you that presenting you faultless will give Jesus Christ exceeding joy?

What should you do when others criticize you and you sense in your heart you have done wrong?

Confess and receive the forgiveness and cleansing from Jesus Christ

Confess to and seek forgiveness from anyone you have wronged

Rest in the finished work of Christ- Hebrews 4:⁹ There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. ¹⁰ For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

What should you do when others criticize you and you sense in your heart you have not done wrong?

Trust Jesus Christ and allow Him to work– Romans 12:¹⁹ Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. ²⁰ Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. ²¹ Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

What do these verses recorded by King David mean to you?-Psalm 95:¹ O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. ² Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. ³ For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. ⁴ In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. ⁵ The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. ⁶ O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. ⁷ For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, ⁸ Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: ⁹ When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.¹⁰ Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: ¹¹ Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.

What will Jesus Christ finally do with your enemy who accuses you day and night?

Revelation 12:⁷ And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, ⁸ And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. ⁹ And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. ¹⁰ And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

As you consider the on-going accusations of the enemy Jesus Christ conquered death to destroy, what do you think?

Hebrews 2:¹⁴ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; ¹⁵ And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.¹⁶ For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.¹⁷ Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.¹⁸ For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

I Stand in Awe of You

You are beautiful beyond description; Too marvelous for words
Too wonderful for comprehension -Like nothing ever seen or heard
Who can grasp your infinite wisdom -Who can fathom the depth of your love
You are beautiful beyond description-Majesty enthroned above

And I stand, I stand in awe of you
I stand, I stand in awe of you
Holy God to Whom all praise is due
I stand in awe of 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, 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

Managing the Emotion of regret

Regret can be a powerful, almost consuming emotion.  Regret can be wishing you had done something you didn’t do or wishing you had not done something you did do. Regret can also be wishing something had happened when it did not or wishing something had not happened that did happen.

The Christian life is a growing process, not to be evaluated by physical age or length of time you have been a Christian. Through that growing process, Jesus Christ is actively working to make you more like Himself. So wisdom regarding how to handle yourself, your behavior and your reaction to circumstances you cannot control will increase with the more time you share with Jesus Christ.

Remember you are not alone! –

Hebrews 13:⁵ Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

You do not have to explain anything to Jesus. You do not have to bring Him up to speed on anything. He already knows all about the thing you regret and He even understands your regret.

You are His creation. He knows you well. He loves you unconditionally with an everlasting love. Notice His promises to never leave you and to never forsake you.

What do those promises mean to you right now?

Remember Jesus Christ is still working on you! –

Philippians 1:⁶ Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Remember Jesus Christ gives mercy and instruction-

Psalm 32: ⁸ I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.⁹ Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.¹⁰ Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

What instruction do you sense Him giving you about your regret?

What instruction from Him do you desire?

What does His mercy mean to you?

Remember Jesus Christ is able to work good for you, to you and into the situation –

Romans 8:²⁷ And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.²⁹ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.³⁰ Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. ³¹ What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? ³² He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?³³ Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.

Remember Peter’s regret?

Matthew 26:⁶⁹Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. ⁷⁰But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.⁷¹And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. ⁷²And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. ⁷³And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech betrayeth thee. ⁷⁴Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.⁷⁵And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

How did Jesus Christ respond to Peter’s denials? –

1 Corinthians 15:³ For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;⁴ And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:⁵ And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

What do these verses tell you about how Jesus Christ responded to Peter’s regret?

Should you expect anything less from Him for you?

Paul’s solution for regret –

Philippians 3:¹² Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.¹³ Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,¹⁴ I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

What does Paul’s example mean to you?

He Who Began a Good Work In You by Jon Mohr

He who began a good work in you – He who began a good work in you

Will be faithful to complete it -He’ll be faithful to complete it

He who started a work will be faithful to complete it in you

 

If the struggle you’re facing is slowly replacing your hope with despair

Or the process is long and you’re losing your song In the night

You can be sure that the Lord has His hand on you

Safe and secure He will never abandon you

You are His treasure and He finds His pleasure in you

 

He who began a good work in you -He who began a good work in you

Will be faithful to complete it – He’ll be faithful to complete it

He who started the work Will be faithful to complete it in you good

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, 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

 

 

Managing the Emotion of Loneliness

Jesus Christ created each of us to be unique. In all of history, in all the whole world, He never made or will make another person exactly like you. You are unique. Jesus Christ does not use a cookie-cutter for His creation. You have specific physical attributes, abilities, talents, strengths, limitations and spiritual gifts. You are unique.

Loneliness is a personal emotion, a feeling of aloneness. We can feel alone even in a crowd. Because your emotions are personal, no one has the right to tell you how you should feel. God designed you uniquely! Your emotions are part of you.

How did Elijah manage his loneliness?

1 Kings 19:¹And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. ² Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time. ³ And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.⁴ But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

Did Elijah focus on Jesus Christ and the great victory He had performed against the enemy?  Why?

1 Kings 18:⁴⁰ And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.

What do you learn from Elijah’s example?

How did Paul manage his loneliness?

2 Timothy 4:¹⁶ At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.¹⁷ Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.¹⁸ And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

What do you learn from Paul’s example?

How did Jesus manage His loneliness?

Matthew 26: ⁵⁶ But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.⁵⁷ And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

Matthew 27: ⁴⁶ And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?⁴⁷ Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.⁴⁸ And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.⁴⁹ The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.⁵⁰ Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

Mark 14: ⁵⁰ And they all forsook him, and fled.

Mark 15:³⁴ And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?³⁵ And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.³⁶ And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.³⁷ And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

What do you learn from Jesus’ example?

When you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you will never again be alone. His promise to you is recorded in Hebrews 13:⁵Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.⁶ So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Questions for Reflection

• Do you feel alone today?
• What is causing that feeling of loneliness?
• What do Jesus Christ’s experiences of loneliness mean to you?

 

Jesus completely understands!

Hebrews 4:⁹ There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.¹⁰For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.¹¹Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.¹²For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ¹³Neither 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.

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, 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