Author Archives: finishingwithlampsburning
Understanding and Managing Emotions God’s Way – Fear
Managing the Emotion of Fear
What is fear?
Fear is the #2 problem emotion
Fear is the response to feeling you aren’t in control
Fear is the absence of faith – there are 211 Bible references to fear
Revelation 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
What does fear do?
Fear brings loss-of-control-feelings and doubt God can/will help
Fear prevents expression of honest feelings
Fear stops you from appropriate responses to threatening situations
What should You do with your fear? –Trust the LORD
Remember Who He is –
Psalm 4: 8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
Remember His faithfulness –
Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
1 John 4: 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us.
Remember where the spirit comes from –
2 Timothy 1: 7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Reasons not to Fear
the LORD thy God is among you –
Deuteronomy 7:21 Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible.
The LORD is with you –
The LORD is your strength –
The LORD is on your side –
Psalms 118: 6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
The LORD is your helper –
Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
God is your refuge and strength –
Psalm 46:1 (To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
God loves you with an everlasting love –
There are no strings attached to His love for you!
God has a good plan for your life –
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
God is able to work good in your circumstances-
Good for you
Good to you
Good through you
Saul’s example with fear-
1 Samuel 18: 11 And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.12 And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.13 Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.14 And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.15 Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him. 20 And Michal Saul’s daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.21 And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain.
What do you learn from Saul?
David’s example –
1 Samuel 17:32 And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. 33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou [art but] a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. 34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered [it] out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught [him] by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. 36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. 37 David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. 38 And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. 39 And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved [it]. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved [them]. And David put them off him. 40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling [was] in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. 41 And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield [went] before him. 42 And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was [but] a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. 43 And the Philistine said unto David, [Am] I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.46 This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle [is] the LORD’S, and he will give you into our hands.48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang [it], and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but [there was] no sword in the hand of David.51 Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.
What do you learn from David?
What you fear right now is not a surprise to God. He is all-knowing
1) What are you afraid of losing?
2) What are you afraid you can’t control?
3) Before David faced Goliath, he slew the lion and the bear. Are you facing a lion or a bear or Goliath?
4) How has God prepared you to face this lion or bear or Goliath?
5) What feelings are prevented from expression by your fear?
6) What types of situations are emotionally threatening to you?
Read Zephaniah 3: 17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
Are there times you need His might?
His will is to save you – How and when does He do that?
His will is to rejoice over you. Why is He rejoicing?
In what will He rest?
His final word is love – What does that mean to you?
His will is to sing over you (It won’t be about your mistakes or failures because His song is joyful!)
What words might He sing over you?
A lullaby?
Encouragement?
Your future? (It won’t be death, destruction)
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
Understanding and Managing Emotions God’s Way – Resentment
Managing the Emotion of Resentment
Emotions are signals about your surrounding circumstances and about yourself. Emotions are God-given. You are entitled to your emotions. Emotion is not a sin. Emotions influence behavior. How you react to your emotion may be a sin.
What is resentment?
Resentment is the #1 problem emotion
Resentment is usually not a standalone emotion.
Resentment is a feeling based on a real or imagined grievance
Resentment is harboring of animosity against a person or group whom you feel has mistreated you.
Resentment is unresolved anger you have over a negative event which occurred in your past life.
Resentment is lack of forgiveness, the inability to let go and forget.
Resentment is root of distrust and suspicion you have when dealing with people or events that brought you pain in the past.
Resentment is unresolved grief you experience when you find it difficult to accept a loss.
Resentment is the result of heartbreak after exerting a great deal of effort and energy to achieve something that eventually was lost to you
Resentment is grudge you hold against a person or group whom you feel has kept you from achieving.
Possible behaviors resulting from resentment:
pout or fume silently in their presence or at the mention of their name.
speak derisively or demeaning about them.
become stuck in my efforts for personal growth and I don’t even know why.
get furious for no apparent reason.
get depressed, despondent, and find myself going in circles in my attempts to overcome these negative feelings.
grit my teeth and smile when I really want to scream and yell when these people are mentioned to you.
fake enthusiasm and excitement about being with these people when I’d rather have nothing to do with them.
The Prodical Son’s Brother is an example of resentment:
Luke 15:25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. 28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him. 29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: 30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. 31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Do you see the resentment? What other emotions accompanied the resentment?
Questions for Reflection
1) Resentment is #1 problem emotion –Why do you think that is true?
2) Do you feel resentment?
3) What other emotion(s) accompany your resentment?
4) Write down what or who you resent
5) Confess it to the Lord and ask Him for forgiveness and help to release the resentment
Techniques to rid self of resentment include:
- Admit to yourself that there is unresolved resentment behind your attitude
- Confess it to Jesus and receiving His forgiveness.
1John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- Identify the “hot buttons” that indicate the presence of resentment in you and reacting with prayer.
1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- Ask Jesus’ help to let the past be the past so that it isn’t a chain around your neck anymore.
- List those for whom you have resentment and ask Jesus’ help for forgiving
- Trust Jesus to take vengeance on those who have hurt you in His own time and in His own way.
All sin has consequences. Our job is to let vengeance up to Jesus and get out of His way. 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.
Improve your self-esteem and self-worth by looking only to Jesus for approval and recognition.
Trust Jesus for the victory –
2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
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
Understanding and Managing Emotions God’s way – Anger
Managing the Emotion of Anger
Anger Basics
- Anger is the emotional response to violated rights – real or imagined
- Anger is not a sin but rather a responsive signal of your surroundings
- Reaction to anger can be good or sinful
- Anger is normal and universal
- Anger is dangerous, makes negative behavior easy
Common Responses to Anger:
- Mask – refuse to acknowledge anger
- Minimize –pretend it isn’t that bad
- Manipulate – act out, manipulate others
- Manage – acknowledge, respond wisely
Bible characters and anger- what can we learn from their mistakes?
Did Esau respond well?
What lesson do you gain from this example?
Do you see a connection between anger and hatred?
Rebekah – Genesis 27:42 And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee.43 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; and arise, flee thou to Laban my brother to Haran;44 And tarry with him a few days, until thy brother’s fury turn away;45 Until thy brother’s anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him: then I will send, and fetch thee from thence: why should I be deprived also of you both in one day?
Did Rebekah respond well?
What lesson do you gain from this example?
Moses – Exodus 32:19 And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses’ anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.20 And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strawed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it.30 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.31 And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin–; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.33 And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.34 Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them. 35 And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.
Did Moses respond well?
What lesson do you gain from this example?
King Saul- 1 Samuel 18:5 And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.6 And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.7 And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.8 And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? 9 And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.10 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul’s hand.11 And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.
Did King Saul respond well?
What lesson do you gain from this example?
Jesus – Mark 3:1 And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.2 And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.3 And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.4 And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.
Did Jesus respond well?
What lesson do you gain from this example?
Jesus Christ’s instruction for managing anger
Avoid it -Psalms 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. 9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth
Respond well –
Proverbs. 15: 1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Proverbs 19: 11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
Understand its foolishness –
Ecclesiastes 7: 9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
Beware –
Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Do not sin –
Ephesians 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:27 Neither give place to the devil.
Put off anger-
Colossians 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Practical Steps for Managing Your Anger:
Admit it – Tag it! (you are angry) – learn to recognize it
Analyze it – Hold it! (Why are you angry?)
– learn the causes
– what triggers your anger?
Action – Do it (How should you respond?)
1 – Forbear the inconsequential
Is your anger about something that will still matter to you in 5 years?
2 – Confront the character issue
Raise the issue –How does getting angry over this build your character?
Be humble, ask forgiveness when you are wrong
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.14 Seeing 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.15 For 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.16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
3 – Forgive as God has forgiven you
4 – Get good advice and counsel from other Christians-
Proverbs 15: 22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
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
Understanding and Managing Emotions God’s Way – Intro
- Feeling pain is not a sign of failure
(Society encourages us to put on a “happy face” and hide real feelings)Emotional pain does not make you a 2nd class Christian
Emotional pain does not signal a failed relationship with Christ
What are emotions?
- Emotions are a valuable part of you! (can’t get an emotion-ectomy)
- You are entitled to your emotions! (No one can tell how another should feel)
- If you don’t control your emotions they will control you.
Control isn’t burying/suppressing emotion but setting boundaries around it
Why do we have our emotions?
- Emotions are part of your body’s signal system, neither right nor wrong of themselves.
As you move your hand toward the flame, your nerve sensors tell you will be burned if you don’t change your action!
- Using your emotions for their real purpose (signals) is taking responsibility for your response to your emotions
- The greater your self-awareness the more you can control yourself.
Emotions Influence Behavior
- Attitudes influence emotions, which influence behavior
- Behavior reflects my response to those emotional signals
- When behavior reflects an out of balance emotion, the better response was not chosen
- Negative emotions sap your energy – – help you to blame others or things rather than taking responsibility for self
- – signal a need to change your response to the emotion
Emotions of Jesus
- He wept – John 11:35 Jesus wept.
- He loved – Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
- He was angry – Mark 11:15 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; 16And would not suffer that any man should carry anyvessel through the temple. 17And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
- He felt compassion – Matt 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
- He felt abandoned – Matt 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?
Negative emotions include:resentment, anger, fear, jealousy, envy, hurt feelings, lust, worry. These emotions are just signals but you and I can react in a negative way. Jesus wants to help us learn how to understand our emotions and how to manage our emotions.
Jesus understands!
Hebrews 4:13Neither 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. 14 Seeing 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. 15 For 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.16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Questions for reflection
1) Does your behavior indicate you are in control or your emotions are in control?
2) What are your emotions currently telling you?
3) When someone tells you that you shouldn’t feel that way, you feel:
4) What you are feeling most right now is:
5) Is your life short circuited by a negative emotion? Which one?_____________
6) Is your attitude self-affirming or self- degrading?
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
Your identity for the service of the King
- A) Entrusted with the gospel-
1 Thessalonians 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
- B) The Light of the world –
Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
- C) The salt of the earth –
- D) Called to follow –
- E) Chosen and ordained –
Circle the three that matter most to you right now
Questions for Reflection
1) What factors determine how you see yourself?
2) What about circumstances determine how you see yourself?
3) Does the way people treat you determine how you see yourself?
4) Do the things people say about you determine how you see yourself?
5) Are you believing something someone else said about you that doesn’t match what Jesus says about 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
Your identity in Jesus Christ
When you and I ask Jesus to forgive our sins and receive Him as Savior and Lord, He creates us new. What does that mean. Here are some Bible descriptions.
1) Alive –
Colossians 2: 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
2) Accepted –
Ephesians 1:6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
3) Beloved with an everlasting love –
Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
4) Caused to triumph in Christ Jesus –
2 Corinthians 2: 14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
5) Chosen before the foundation of the world-
6) Complete-
Colossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
7) Created for Him –
8) Delivered from the power of darkness –
Colossians 1: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
9) Forgiven of all trespasses and sin–
Colossians. 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Colossians. 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Ephesians1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
10) Free –
John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
11) Healed with His stripes –
12) Heir-
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,5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Romans 8:4 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.
13) His workmanship created for His purpose-
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
14) Indwelled by Christ –
Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
15) Indwelled by the Father-
Ephesians 4: 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
16) Indwelled by the Holy Spirit –
17) Justified –
Titus 3: 7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal
18) Laborer together with God-
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
19) New –
Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Colossians 3: 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
20) Reconciled to God –
Colossians 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
21) Redeemed from the penalty of death and slavery to sin –
Galatians 3: 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
22) Regenerated –
Titus 3:4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour
23) Risen with Jesus Christ –
Colossians 3:1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
24) Sufficient in all things through His grace-
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
25) Temple of God –
1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
26) Translated into the kingdom of Jesus–
Colossians 1: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Circle the three that matter most to you right now
Our focus – Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,
Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!
Run in faith that Jesus loves you, has uniquely designed and created only one you, has a good plan for your life, runs with you and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!
Run in His strength alone!
Run with your eyes on the prize!
Run with the desire to finish strong!
Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!
Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!
Run to His glory alone!
Run and keep on running!
Coach Patti
Why did Jesus Christ come to earth?
Why would God leave His heavenly abode where everything is perfection to take on a physical body and come to earth, a fallen creation where all mankind with a rebellious sin nature reside?
Why would He choose a time in history without mass communications, mass transit, electricity or technology?
Jesus never took a hot shower.
Jesus never tasted an ice cream cone.
Jesus never flew in an airplane, rode a train, drove a car.
Jesus never enjoyed quick leftovers warmed in the microwave.
Jesus walked everywhere.
Jesus was tired and weary.
Jesus wept.
Jesus was thirsty.
Jesus was hungry.
Why?
What information does the Bible record provide?
- Jesus came to Call sinners to repentance
Matthew 9:12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Luke 5:31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. 32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
- Jesus came to Redeem them that were under the law-
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.
- Jesus came to Save –
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
1 Timothy 1:15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
4) Jesus came to Seek and to Save-
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Do you remember a time when you heard and responded?
5) Jesus came to Fulfill the Law and the Prophets –
6) Jesus came to Bear Witness to the Truth-
Do you know the truth?
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Will you receive His gift right now?
7) Jesus came to Minister and Give His life a Ransom-
Matthew 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
8) Jesus came to Give Life –
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly
9) Jesus came to become Lord of the Living and the Dead-
Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
10) Jesus came to bring Glory to the Father’s Name-
John 12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. 28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
11) Jesus came for Judgment –
John 9:39And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. 40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? 41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
12) Jesus came that we might receive the Adoption of Sons –
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, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons
13) Jesus came to Preach the Gospel to the Poor, to Heal the Brokenhearted, to Preach Deliverance to the captives, to recover sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord,
Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
14) Jesus came to Destroy the devil-
15) Jesus came to Deliver you from bondage in fear of death –
Hebrews 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
16) Jesus came to Bring a sword –
Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
17) Jesus came to be the Mediator of a New Covenant –
Hebrews 10:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.
18) Jesus came to preach the kingdom of God –
19) Jesus came to do the Father’s will –
John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.39And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40And this is the will of him that sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Hebrews 10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.8Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 9Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
20) Jesus came to send fire.
Luke 12:49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
21) Jesus came to bring division –
Luke 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
22) Jesus came to bring light
John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
Our focus – Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,
Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!
Run in faith that Jesus loves you, has uniquely designed and created only one you, has a good plan for your life, runs with you and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!
Run in His strength alone!
Run with your eyes on the prize!
Run with the desire to finish strong!
Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!
Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!
Run to His glory alone!
Run and keep on running!
Coach Patti
What is Jesus doing for you when life hurts? enabling you to stand
You and I live in a fallen creation. Everyone is born with a rebellious sin nature. Sin and death have entered the world. Nothing is perfect. Nothing is ideal. Sometimes in the storms of life, our circumstances seem overwhelming. We ask ‘where is Jesus?’ Does He really know and care about our hurts? In this study we will examine what the Bible says Jesus is doing, even when life hurts.
We continue Section #1 with what Jesus is doing for you when life hurts.
In this session we will examine Jesus Christ’s willingness and ability to enable you to stand. Sometimes we face accusers. They can be from the past (what has already happened) or the present (current circumstances) or the future (what might happen). In this fallen creation even believers will have differing opinions about things. Some believers think church music should be only organ and piano while other believers include timbrel instruments. Some believers think dress codes are appropriate while other believers do not. When you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you become His. You come into a relationship with Him as child and heir. You belong to Him. You are accountable to Him. He loves you unconditionally. As your good and great Shepherd, Jesus Christ provides you provision, protection, direction and correction for your earthly journey.
No matter what is hurting you, Jesus Christ enables you to stand
Proverbs 24:15 Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: 16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
Do not fear those who accuse you
Matthew 10:24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? 26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Destroy = to render useless; to defeat completely
Are you afraid of unbelief? Ask Jesus to help your unbelief.
Remember your value to Jesus Christ!
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows
Jesus Christ knows not only how many hair are on your head but He has assigned a number to each of them.
What do these verses mean to you?
How can you use these verses against what is attempting to topple you?
Remember His promises
1 Corinthians 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Conversation – manner of living
What difference does the promise of Jesus Christ make in your circumstances?
Notice that He gives the victory. What does that mean to you?
You stand in grace by faith
Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
What does standing in grace mean to you?
Paul’s admonition
Philippians 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
Conversation – manner of living
Questions for reflection
1) What does it mean to you that Jesus Christ is with you in your circumstances?
2) What about your circumstances hurts you most? – tell it to Jesus!
3) How do you see victory coming from Jesus Christ in your circumstances?
4) What provision of the good and great Shepherd do you see in your circumstances?
5) What protection from the good and great Shepherd do you see in your circumstances?
6) What direction of the good and great Shepherd do you see in your circumstances?
7) Is there some correction of the good and great Shepherd for you in your circumstances?
8) How many hairs are on your head?
Our focus – Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Our challenge -Dearly Beloved,
Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!
Run in faith that Jesus loves you, has uniquely designed and created only one you, has a good plan for your life, runs with you and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!
Run in His strength alone!
Run with your eyes on the prize!
Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!
Run with the desire to finish strong!
Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!
Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!
Run to His glory alone!
Run and keep on running!
Coach Patti
What is Jesus doing for you when life hurts? Serving as your Daysman, Advocate and High Priest
You and I live in a fallen creation. Sin and death have entered the world. Everyone is born with a rebellious sin nature. No one can see God as Adam and Eve did and live. Some times the storms of life seem overwhelming. We ask ‘where is Jesus’? Does He really know and care about our hurts? In this study we will examine what the Bible says Jesus is doing, even when life hurts you.
We continue Section #1 with what Jesus is doing for you when life hurts.
5) Serving as your Daysman (Jesus understands both God and you), Advocate, High Priest,
You remember the story of Job. He lost all his wealth and his children and finally his health.
In all his suffering, Job longed for a daysman, between God and man –
Job 9:32 For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. 33 Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.
Someone who would understand both God and man and be able to fill in the gap between the two is what Job wanted. Can you understand that longing?
Jesus is the answer to Job’s longing
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
What does mean to you that Jesus Christ gave Himself in order to understand both God and man?
Jesus serves as your Advocate
1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
advocate= one to speak in favor of, to support;
propitiation – to reconcile
What does it mean to you that Jesus Christ serves as your Advocate?
Jesus Christ responds to your accuser
Jesus Christ serves as your High Priest
Hebrews 4:14 Seeing 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. 15 For 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. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
The purpose of the priest’s garments
Exodus 28:1 And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.2 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.
As the accuser accuses you before God, Jesus Christ stands in glory and beauty as your Advocate!
The High Priest’s garments are special
Leviticus 8: 6 And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water. 7 And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound it unto him therewith. 8 And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim. 9 And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Let’s look more closely at these garments
The ephod
Exodus 28:6 And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.7 It shall have the two shoulder pieces thereof joined at the two edges thereof; and so it shall be joined together. 8 And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen. 9 And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel: 10 Six of their names on one stone, and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth. 11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold. 12 And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial. 13 And thou shalt make ouches of gold;14 And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathen work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains to the ouches.
The breastplate of judgment
Exodus 28: 15 And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it. 16 Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof. 17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. 18 And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. 19 And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. 20 And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their in closings. 21 And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes. 22 And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends of wreathen work of pure gold. 23 And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. 24 And thou shalt put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate. 25 And the other two ends of the two wreathen chains thou shalt fasten in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod before it. 26 And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof, which is in the side of the ephod inward. 27 And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart thereof, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod. 28 And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod. 29 And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually. 30 And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron’s heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually
The long robe of the ephod
Exodus 28:31And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all of blue.32 And there shall be an hole in the top of it, in the midst thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of an habergeon, that it be not rent.33 And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about:34 A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about. 35 And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the LORD, and when he cometh out, that he die not.
The gold forehead plate
Exodus 28:36 And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.37 And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be.38 And it shall be upon Aaron’s forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.
Jesus Christ gives you His Holy Spirit to express what you can’t
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 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.
Questions for reflection:
1) When you consider your Judge is also your Advocate and the One Who suffered your
penalty, what emotions do you feel? What words come to mind?
2) Have you ever felt Jesus Christ carrying you on His shoulder?
3) What does it mean to you for Jesus Christ to bear you on His heart?
4) In a conversation with Job what would you tell Him about the reality of your Daysman?
Our focus – Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Our challenge -Dearly Beloved,
Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!
Run in faith that Jesus loves you, has uniquely designed and created only one you, has a
good plan for your life, runs with you and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!
Run in His strength alone!
Run with your eyes on the prize!
Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!
Run with the desire to finish strong!
Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!
Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!
Run to His glory alone!
Run and keep on running!
Coach Patti
What is Jesus doing for you when life hurts?Keeping you safe in His hand
You and I live in a fallen creation. Sin and death have entered the world. Everyone is born with a rebellious sin nature. No one can see God as Adam and Eve did and live. Sometimes the storms of life seem overwhelming. We ask ‘where is Jesus’? Does He really know and care about our hurts? In this study we will examine what the Bible says Jesus is doing, even when life hurts you.
We continue Section #1 with what Jesus is doing for you when life hurts.
4) In this session, let’s examine how Jesus keeps you safe in the palm of His hand.
Jesus Christ teaches that He holds you in His hand-
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and my Father are one.
What does it mean to you to be held in His hand?
Jesus Christ will never throw you away.
What is eternal life?
Jesus answers this question in His prayer to the Father the night He was betrayed and John records the answer in chapter 17
1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. 6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. 7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. 8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
What does it mean to perish?
To be destroyed, damaged beyond repair, defeated, to be lost
What does it matter to you that you will never perish?
When you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, He gives you the ability to know the only true God; to know that God became flesh and died to pay the penalty for your sins; to have a personal relationship with Him; to understand His Words. This intimate relationship with Jesus enables you to get to know Him better; to understand His plan for the world better; to grow in your understanding of the good plan He has for your life.
What does it matter to you to know the only true God and Jesus Christ His Son?
Your Savior is intimate. Your Savior concerns Himself with the details of your daily life. You are secure in His hand. Your future is secure in His hand. What a difference this knowledge should make even when times are hard! Does it make a difference to you?
Peter’s advice about growing in your knowledge of Jesus is recorded in 2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.
Paul’s advice is recorded in Philippians 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Jesus holds you in His hand-close to Him. No one can remove you from His care. The circumstances hurting you today are temporary. Your life with Jesus is forever. Victory!
How much power is in the hand of Jesus Christ?-
John 13:3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. 6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
Jesus Christ gave Himself into the Father’s hands-
Luke 23: 39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. 44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. 46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
Questions for Reflection
1) How close to Jesus Christ must you be to be held in His hand?
2) Why are you hurting today?
3) What difference does it make to you that these hurtful circumstances will not destroy you or damage you beyond repair?
4) As you reflect on Jesus holding you in His hand, what do you think?
5) How can you use what you know about Jesus to ease the hurt?
6) What does the love for you Jesus and the Father showed at the cross mean to you?
Soft Were Your Hands
Soft were your hands Dear Jesus, So gentle the touch of you,
Like a rose that opens at breaking dawn, still gemmed in crystal dew.
Hands that bore the rugged cross and made a faith divine,
Soft were your hands Dear Jesus!
Ah, would they had touched mine! Ah, would they have touched mine!
Now I Belong to Jesus-Norman Clayton
Jesus, my Lord will love me forever, From Him no pow’r of evil can sever,
He gave His life to ransom my soul; Now I belong to Him;
Chorus
Now I belong to Jesus, Jesus belongs to me,
Not for the years of time alone, But for eternity.
Once I was lost in sin’s degradation, Jesus came down to bring me salvation,
Lifted me up from sorrow and shame, Now I belong to Him;
Chorus.
Joy floods my soul for Jesus has saved me, Freed me from sin that long had enslaved me
His precious blood, He came to redeem, Now I belong to Him;
Chorus
Our focus – Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Our challenge -Dearly Beloved,
Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!
Run in faith that Jesus loves you, has uniquely designed and created only one you, has a
good plan for your life, runs with you and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!
Run in His strength alone!
Run with your eyes on the prize!
Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!
Run with the desire to finish strong!
Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!
Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!
Run to His glory alone!
Run and keep on running!
Coach Patti
Finishing With Lamps Burning 