Author Archives: finishingwithlampsburning
How Able is Jesus?
An example of Jesus’ willingness and ability to provide for you
Paul reminds the church at Corinth that the Old Testament records are written for our examples.
1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
An example for you and me
Exodus 12:36And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.
37And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.
Assuming a total of 3.6 million Israelites were involved in the Exodus from slavery in Egypt, (6,000 men plus their wives and an average of 4 children per family) the following statistics maybe computed:
If each family were allotted a space of fifty feet by fifty feet in which to camp plus an equal area for their livestock, the total space needed would be 3 billion square feet, an area of 10 ½ miles square.
If the Israelites and an equal number of livestock were placed in a line 50 abreast, the length of the line would stretch more than 100 miles. Moving at a leisurely 2 ½ miles per hour the parade would take more than 50 hours to move past the same point.
It would take the equivalent of 160 railroad boxcars of food and 1,080 tank cars of water just to meet the minimum daily needs of the nation.
And yet Jesus supplied the nation’s needs! Not just for one day for 40 years until at last they reached the Promised Land.
Exodus 16:35 And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan.
Are you worried today?
What does the example of the LORD’s care for the Israelites mean to you?
Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Do you know this song?
He is Able to Deliver Thee – William Ogden, 1887
- Tis the grandest theme through the ages rung;
’Tis the grandest theme for a mortal tongue;
’Tis the grandest theme that the world e’er sung,
“Our God is able to deliver thee.”
- Refrain:
He is able to deliver thee,
He is able to deliver thee;
Though by sin oppressed, go to Him for rest;
“Our God is able to deliver thee.”
- ’Tis the grandest theme in the earth or main;
’Tis the grandest theme for a mortal strain;
’Tis the grandest theme, tell the world again,
“Our God is able to deliver thee.”
- ’Tis the grandest theme, let the tidings roll,
To the guilty heart, to the sinful soul;
Look to God in faith, He will make thee whole,
“Our God is able to deliver thee.”
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,
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
Why didn’t Jesus come down from the cross?
Why didn’t Jesus come down from the cross?
Jesus Christ is God. Jesus put Himself into a human body and lived on earth as a human for 33 years. He grew the tree they made into His cross. He grew the thorns they made into His crown.
He grew the chief priests and scribes and Jews who cried “crucify Him”. He grew the soldiers who mocked Him, spit on Him, ridiculed Him and finally crucified Him.
Imagine! Our Creator, by Whom we live and breathe and have our very being, allowed His physical body to die by crucifixion! Why didn’t Jesus come down from the cross?
Mark 15:25And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. 26And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 27And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. 28And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. 29And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, 30Save thyself, and come down from the cross. 31Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. 32Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
Why didn’t Jesus come down from the cross?
Jesus stayed on the cross because there is no other solution for my sin problem.
Jesus stayed on the cross because there is no other solution for your sin problem.
Jesus stayed on the cross because there is no other solution for the world’s sin problem.
Jesus stayed on the cross because there is no other solution for God’s righteous judgment on sinners.
What does Jesus’ choice to stay on the cross mean to you?
Do you know this song?
Ten Thousand Angels- Ray Overholt, 1958
(1) They bound the hands of Jesus in the garden where He prayed;
They led Him thro’ the streets in shame.
They spat upon the Saviour so pure and free from sin;
They said, “Crucify Him; He’s to blame.”
CHORUS:
He could have called ten thousand angels
To destroy the world and set Him free.
He could have called ten thousand angels,
But He died alone for you and me.
(2) Upon His precious head they placed a crown of thorns;
They laughed and said, “Behold the king.”
They struck Him and they cursed Him and mocked His holy name.
All alone He suffered ev’rything.
(3) To the howling mob He yielded; He did not for mercy cry.
The Cross of shame He took alone. And when He cried, “It’s finished,” He gave himself to die;
Salvation’s wondrous plan was done.
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. 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
It is Finished and Jesus is Lord!
The last words Jesus spoke as He hung on the cross, crucified to pay the sin debt you and I owe our God, were words of victory He wanted you and me to know. The Greek word tetelestai, translated as “it is finished’ really means ‘paid in full’. The word tetelestai was written on business documents or receipts to show that a bill had been paid in full. The debt has been sealed as paid! Nothing else is owed on our debt to our God.
John 19:28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. 29Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. 30When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
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; 4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
12Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 24Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
Do you know this song? It Is Finished
There’s a line that is drawn through the ages On that line stands an old rugged cross
On that cross, a battle is raging For the gain of man’s soul or it’s loss
On one side, march the forces of evil All the demons, all the devils of hell
On the other, the angels of glory And they meet on Golgotha’s hill
The earth shakes with the force of the conflict And the sun refuses to shine
For there hangs God’s son, in the balance And then through the darkness he cries
It is finished, the battle is over It is finished, there’ll be no more war
It is finished, the end of the conflict It is finished and Jesus is Lord
Yet in my heart, the battle was still raging Not all prisoners of war had come home
These were battlefields of my own making I didn’t know that the war had been won
Oh, but then I heard the king of the ages Had fought all the battles for me
And that victory was mine for the claiming Andnow praise his name, I am free.
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.
Do you acknowledge the price Jesus Christ paid for you?
Do you still owe God, your Creator, a debt?
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,
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
Will you pass by Jesus?
Some 2,000 years ago, God in human form was completing His three year public ministry. Jesus Christ had performed many miracles. He walked on the water. He turned water into wine. He healed the lame and sick. He brought back Lazarus from the dead. He fed 5,000 men with a boy’s lunch. He taught about God and His love for His creation. He proclaimed Himself to be the Son of God, equal to the Father, and the promised Messiah. But the Jewish rulers would not receive Him. They accused Him before the Roman authorities and Pilate, the Roman Governor finally condemned Him to death by crucifixion.
Matthew 27:26Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
27Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
28And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.
29And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
30And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
31And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.
32And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
33And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,
34They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
35And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
36And sitting down they watched him there;
37And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
Of course, Jerusalem was a busy place, especially during the celebration of Passover. Many people were coming and going. Crucifixion was a cruel and ugly display. But look at what those people who passed by Jesus dying on the cross did.
They wagged their heads. They reviled Him.
How much do you know about Jesus Christ?
Have you acknowledged His death as payment for your sins?
Will you pass by Jesus this Easter season?
What will you do about Jesus?
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,
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
5 Joy-killers
On the night before Jesus Christ was crucified for our sins, He gave reasons for joy!
1) Jesus is preparing a dwelling place specifically for you
John 14:1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Troubled =worried, distressed, mental clam disturbed
Believe = to have confidence in the reliability of someone
What does it mean to you that Jesus is preparing a dwelling place just for you?
How can this assurance give you reason not to worry?
2) Jesus will come to take you home with Him
John 14:3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
What does it mean to you that Jesus will personally receive you to Himself?
What does being always with Jesus mean to you?
How can this assurance give you reason not to worry?
3) While you are here you have access to Him at all times
John 14:12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
What does constant access to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords mean to you?
How can this assurance give you reason to be joyful?
4) Jesus gives you the Comforter
15If ye love me, keep my commandments.
16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
25These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
What does it mean to you to have the Comforter with you?
What does it mean to have the Spirit of Truth with you?
How can this assurance give you reason to be joyful?
5) Jesus comes to you
18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
19Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
20At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
What does it mean to be alive because Jesus lives?
What does it mean to you to have Jesus in you?
How can this assurance give you reason to be joyful?
6) Jesus will manifest Himself to you
21He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
22Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
23Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
Manifest = to make clear or evident to one’s understanding
What does it mean to you to have Jesus and the Father in you?
What does it mean to you that Jesus will manifest Himself to you?
How has Jesus been manifesting Himself to you?
How can this assurance give you reason to be joyful?
7) Jesus gives you His peace
27Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
In his 1 letter to the church at Corinth Paul used the Israelites example to identify 5 joy-killers.
1 Corinthians 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
5But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
Joy-killer #1
6Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
Joy-killer #2
7Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
Reference-Exodus 32:3 And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron.
4And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
5And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, Tomorrow is a feast to the LORD.
6And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.
Joy-killer #3
8Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
Reference-Numbers 25:1 And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.
2And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.
3And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.
4And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel.
5And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baalpeor.
6And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
7And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand;
8And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel.
9And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.
Joy-killer #4
9Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
Reference-Numbers 21:4 And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.
5And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.
6And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.
7Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.
8And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
9And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.
Joy-killer #5
10Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
Reference-Numbers 14:2 And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!
3And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?
4And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.
5Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.
6And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:
7And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.
8If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.
9Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.
10But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.
11And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?
12I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.
13And Moses said unto the LORD, Then the Egyptians shall hear it, (for thou broughtest up this people in thy might from among them;)
14And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land: for they have heard that thou LORD art among this people, that thou LORD art seen face to face, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that thou goest before them, by day time in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night.
15Now if thou shalt kill all this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying,
16Because the LORD was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness.
17And now, I beseech thee, let the power of my Lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying,
18The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.
19Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.
20And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word:
21But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD.
22Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;
23Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:
24But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.
25(Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley.) Tomorrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.
26And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
27How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.
28Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you:
29Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me,
30Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.
31But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised.
32But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness.
Paul admonishes us and reminds us Jesus has power to help and cares about you and me
11Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
14Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
15I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
What will you choose? Will you choose joy? Will you choose a joy-killer?
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,
3For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,
Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!
Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!
Run in His strength alone!
Run being yoked to Emmanuel!
Run with your eyes on the prize!
Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!
Run with the desire to finish strong!
Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!
Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when together you cross your finish line!
Run to His glory alone!
Run and keep on running!
Coach Patti
Why did the Jews want to kill Jesus?
For 400 hundred years the Jews endured, waiting for the Messiah promised them by God. There was no prophet. There was no word from God. The Jews waited. Then Jesus, God in human form, came to earth and lived among them. He taught them from the scriptures. He healed the blind, the lame, the sick. He fed large crowds. Why did the Jews want to kill Jesus?
Let’s examine what the Bible says about Jesus and His interaction with the Jews during the 3 years of His public ministry. The Bible documents the years of Jesus public ministry with the observance of the annual Passover celebration
Exodus 12:11And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’S passover. 12For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: am the LORD. 13And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. 14And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever.
Jesus begins His public ministry-Luke 3:23And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,
1st Passover, 1st year of public ministry –John 2:13And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
What angered the Jews?
John 5:15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. 16And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. 17But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. 18Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
2nd Passover, 2nd year of public ministry-John 6:3And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. 4And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
What angered the Jews?
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. 13The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. 14Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. 15Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. 16And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. 17It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. 18I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. 19Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.
John 8:53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? 54Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: 55Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. 56Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. 57Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? 58Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. 59Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
John 10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. 26But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30I and my Father are one. 31Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
3rd Passover, 3rd year of public ministry-John 12:1Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
What angered the Jews?
John 11:47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. 48If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
John 11:53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. 54Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. 55And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves. 56Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast? 57Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.
John 19:7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.
Our focus – Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 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
When you feel invisible
Have you ever felt unnoticed? Have you ever felt like all your efforts and good works are not recognized and go unseen? Jesus knows! Jesus cares! During the last week Jesus Christ physically walked on the earth, several un-named men assisted Him.
The Bible does not record their names.
The Bible does not record how they knew Jesus.
The Bible does not record how they knew what Jesus wanted of them.
The Bible does not record why they chose to obey.
The Bible does record their obedience.
Jesus knows their names.
Jesus knows how they knew about Him whether it was second-hand or personal knowledge.
Jesus knows how His will was communicated to them.
Jesus knows why they chose to obey.
Palm Sunday Un-named Men
Luke 19:28 And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.
29And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,
30Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.
31And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.
32And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.
33And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?
34And they said, The Lord hath need of him.
35And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.
Maundy Thursday Un-named man
Luke 22:7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
8And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
9And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
10And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
11And ye shall say unto the good man of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
12And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
13And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
Paul’s admonition
Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Questions for Reflection
1) What is your reason for your action?
2) Why is recognition by people important to you?
3) Why is service to Jesus Christ important to you?
4) Is the reward from Jesus Christ more valuable to you than recognition by others?
Do you know this song?
Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus – Helen H. Lemmel, 1922
- O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free!
Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.
- Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion— For more than conqu’rors we are!
- His Word shall not fail you—He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!
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,
Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,
Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!
Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!
Run in His strength alone!
Run being yoked to Emmanuel!
Run with your eyes on the prize!
Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!
Run with the desire to finish strong!
Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!
Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when together you cross your finish line!
Run to His glory alone!
Run and keep on running!
Coach Patti
7 Reasons not to Worry
Jesus lived in human form on the earth for some 33 years. He experienced ridicule, difficulty, meanness, all the things that sin and death brought to His fallen creation. According to John’s record, on the night Jesus was taken prisoner He gave 7 reasons you and I need not worry.
1) Jesus is preparing a dwelling place specifically for you
John 14:1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Troubled =worried, distressed, mental clam disturbed
Believe = to have confidence in the reliability of someone
What does it mean to you that Jesus is preparing a dwelling place just for you?
How can this assurance give you reason not to worry?
2) Jesus will come to take you home with Him
John 14:3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
What does it mean to you that Jesus will personally receive you to Himself?
What does being always with Jesus mean to you?
How can this assurance give you reason not to worry?
3) While you are here you have access to Him at all times
John 14:12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
What does constant access to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords mean to you?
How can this assurance give you reason not to worry?
4) Jesus gives you the Comforter
15If ye love me, keep my commandments.
16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
25These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
What does it mean to you to have the Comforter with you?
What does it mean to have the Spirit of Truth with you?
How can this assurance give you reason not to worry?
5) Jesus comes to you
18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
19Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
20At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
What does it mean to be alive because Jesus lives?
What does it mean to you to have Jesus in you?
How can this assurance give you reason not to worry?
6) Jesus will manifest Himself to you
21He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
22Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
23Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
Manifest = to make clear or evident to one’s understanding
What does it mean to you to have Jesus and the Father in you?
What does it mean to you that Jesus will manifest Himself to you?
How has Jesus been manifesting Himself to you?
How can this assurance give you reason not to worry?
7) Jesus gives you His peace
27Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Peace = freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety
What does having peace from Jesus mean to you?
How can this assurance give you reason not to worry?
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,
Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,
Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!
Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!
Run in His strength alone!
Run being yoked to Emmanuel!
Run with your eyes on the prize!
Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!
Run with the desire to finish strong!
Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!
Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when together you cross your finish line!
Run to His glory alone!
Run and keep on running!
Coach Patti
Jesus and Humans
Jesus
John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Hebrews 5:8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Philippians 2:5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Hebrews 2:14Forasmuch 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;
15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
16For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
17Wherefore 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.
18For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Habakkuk 1:5Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.
Humans
Romans 3:23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
2 Peter 3:8But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
2 Corinthians 9:8And 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:
2 Corinthians 12:9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Galatians 2:20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
21I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Philippians 4:6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Revelation 22:20He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
21The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
What do these words mean to you?
Our focus – Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,
Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!
Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!
Run in His strength alone!
Run being yoked to Emmanuel!
Run with your eyes on the prize!
Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!
Run with the desire to finish strong!
Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!
Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when together you cross your finish line!
Run to His glory alone!
Run and keep on running!
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.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
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.
1 Corinthians 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.
4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
What does it mean to you that Jesus Christ is able to keep you standing?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
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
Finishing With Lamps Burning 