Author Archives: finishingwithlampsburning
10 suggestions for resolutions at New Year
A resolution is a decision with determination to do what it takes for achievement. Do you make New Year’s resolutions often? Are you planning to make one this year? King Solomon offers 10 resolutions you could make this New Year’s.
King Solomon’s New Year’s resolution #1 – Proverbs 3:3
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
4So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
King Solomon’s New Year’s resolution #2 – Proverbs 3: 5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
King Solomon’s New Year’s resolution #3 – Proverbs 3: 7Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
King Solomon’s New Year’s resolution #4 – Proverbs 3: 9Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
King Solomon’s New Year’s resolution #5 – Proverbs 3: 11My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
12For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
King Solomon’s New Year’s resolution #6 – Proverbs 3: 13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
King Solomon’s New Year’s resolution #7 – Proverbs 3: 25Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
26For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
King Solomon’s New Year’s resolution #8 – Proverbs 3: 27Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
28Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
King Solomon’s New Year’s resolution #9 – Proverbs 3: 29Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
30Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
King Solomon’s New Year’s resolution #10 – Proverbs 3: 31Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
32For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.
Will you choose one of these resolutions or make one of your own? Godspeed!
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
What does Christmas mean to you?
What does Christmas mean to you?
In grad school I learned the concept of critical inquiry; asking questions for which we do not know the answers. That was so different from my understanding of questions. In the classroom we ask questions to gauge the understanding of the material. Critical inquiry is about asking questions to trigger learning.
I do not know you. I do not know where you live. I do not know what your experience with Christmas has been. But I desire for you to more fully grasp the concept of Christmas and the significance of Jesus Christ. So I ask these questions:
What is Christmas?
Do you celebrate Christmas? Why or why not?
What do you like about Christmas?
What do you dislike about Christmas?
Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?
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
Responses to the Christmas Message
Our pastor’s wife once told me that every year she reads the biblical accounts of Christmas to find something new; something she never heard before. This year while listening to Dr. Charles Stanley I saw something in the biblical account that I never saw before. What were the responses to the angel’s message?
The message from the angel
Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
The angel informed the Jews that their promised Messiah had come to earth! How many centuries they had waited! How long they had been without their own nation! No need to be afraid! Great joy to all people! The Messiah has arrived!
What the shepherds did
Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
The shepherds believed
The shepherds obeyed
The shepherds told others about the Messiah
What those who heard the shepherds did
Luke 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
They wondered
They did not thank God for the Messiah
They did not go to the stable to view the Messiah
What does this information mean to you?
What do you think the response of the people should have been?
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – Charles Wesley 1739
- Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”- Refrain:
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
- Refrain:
- Christ, by highest Heav’n adored; Christ the everlasting Lord;
Late in time, behold Him come, Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail th’incarnate Deity,
Pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel.
- Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings, Ris’n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.
- Come, Desire of nations, come, Fix in us Thy humble home;
Rise, the woman’s conqu’ring Seed, Bruise in us the serpent’s head.
Now display Thy saving pow’r, Ruined nature now restore;
Now in mystic union join Thine to ours, and ours to Thine.
- Adam’s likeness, Lord, efface, Stamp Thine image in its place:
Second Adam from above, Reinstate us in Thy love.
Let us Thee, though lost, regain, Thee, the Life, the inner man:
Oh, to all Thyself impart, Formed in each believing heart.
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
What is your most meaningful Christmas experience?
Research shows learning results from experience with personal meaning. Jesus Christ already knows about each of your life experiences, why each one matters to you or does not matter to you and what you learn from each experience. If an experience hurts you, it is not because Jesus Christ wants to punish you. Nor do hurtful experiences occur because you are a 2nd class Christian or a failure. But rather Jesus Christ allows difficult experiences to come into your life for your growth and development so you can run your race strong and finish your race well. Jesus Christ is Sovereign over all!
David’s examples of meaningful experiences that prepared him to face Goliath– 1 Samuel 17:34 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:
What is the significance of David’s example for you?
Identify 3 of your Christmas experiences that are personally meaningful to you
Experience #1:
What happened?
Who was there?
Where did it happen?
How did you feel?
How did you react in this situation and what does this tell you about your self?
Why is this experience meaningful to you?
What did you learn?
Experience #2:
What happened?
Who was there?
Where did it happen?
How did you feel?
How did you react in this situation and what does this tell you about yourself?
Why is this experience meaningful to you?
What did you learn?
Experience #3:
What happened?
Who was there?
Where did it happen?
How did you feel?
How did you react in this situation and what does this tell you about your self?
Why is this experience meaningful to you?
What did you learn?
1) Can you see a common thread between these three experiences?
2) What do these experiences tell you about yourself?
Sometimes, our learning is incorrect. Because we live in a fallen creation, where sin and death abound, it is possible to mis-learn. Perhaps your learning is negatively influenced by the words and actions of others. Perhaps your learning is incorrect because in the busyness of life you haven’t questioned your reactions to meaningful experiences or critically processed the events.
Are the lessons you learned from these three experiences about yourself and life valid according to Jesus Christ?
Inappropriate survival skills
Inappropriate survival skills are forms of behavior learned incorrectly to adapt to circumstances. When you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you may need to relearn how to survive in this fallen creation and thrive as His new creation. For example, I learned to deal with difficulty and bitter circumstances by stuffing my feelings, ignoring them and not letting myself feel them. Consequently, I came to believe that I did not matter because I was believing that my feelings did not matter. I mis-learned that my feelings did not matter and that I did not matter.
Look at this lesson in John 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
Notice what Jesus said! Lazarus came forth from the dead still wearing his grave clothes and his face was bound with a napkin. Likewise, when you receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, choices and behavior from the past may still cling to you. Jesus Christ is the remedy for your mis-learning. Notice Jesus told the others to ‘loose him and let him go’. We need Bible preaching and study, Christian fellowship, friendship and sharing to loosen us from the things of the past.
What is the significance of Lazarus’ grave clothes to you?
Life is built on character and character is built on decisions. Warren W. Wiersbe
Your Decision-making History
- What are some of the most important decisions you have made?
- How do you make decisions? What factors are important to you?
- Which decision(s) gave you the most satisfaction? Why?
- Is there a decision that did not turn out as you expected?
Why do you think that happened?
5) Do you see any connection between your personally meaningful experiences and decisions you have made?
6) Do you see anything you want to change in how you make decisions?
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
Why did Jesus Christ come to earth?
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.
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,
- To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
3) 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.
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 – Matthew 5: Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
6) Jesus came to Bear Witness to the Truth-John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
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.
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.
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,
19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
14) Jesus came to Destroy the devil- 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) 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.
36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.
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.
10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
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 –Luke 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
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.
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
Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace!
You and I live in a fallen creation that is no longer perfect and not even good, Sin and death have entered the world. Everyone is born with a sinful, rebellious nature. No one can see God and live because of our fallen nature. The wages of sin is death, eternal separation from our Creator. But God, our Creator, desires a personal, intimate relationship with each one of us. He loves us with unconditional, everlasting love. He wants fellowship with you and me. So He made a way for there to be peace between Himself and you and me. He sent His only Son, Jesus, the promised Messiah, to take the punishment for our sins and to defeat death once and for all by rising from the grave.
In the 8th century the prophet wrote in Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Definitions
Prince = a sovereign or king
Peace =a state of mutual harmony based on an agreement to end hostilities; freedom from dissension; serenity
Jesus Christ offers peace between our Creator and ourselves. Peace that will never end!
There is no way to gain His peace. Jesus gives it freely to all who will receive.
His peace cannot be earned by you or me.
His peace is not deserved by you or me.
Have you received His peace?
What does His offer of peace mean to you?
Because there is peace between us and God
We have access into His grace (God giving us what we do not deserve-forgiveness, mercy, relationship, knowledge of God and His Son; everlasting life; inheritance)!
We stand before Him -not condemned for our sinful breaking of His laws- but in that grace!
We rejoice in the hope of seeing Him in all His glory and being in His physical presence!
In 1889 Warren Cooper wrote “Wonderful Peace’. Do you know this song?
- Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
In celestial-like strains it unceasingly falls O’er my soul like an infinite calm.
- Refrain:
Peace, peace, wonderful peace, Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray In fathomless billows of love!
- What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace, Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
So secure that no power can mine it away, While the years of eternity roll!
- I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace, Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control;
For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day, And His glory is flooding my soul!
- And I think when I rise to that city of peace, Where the Author of peace I shall see,
That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing In that heavenly kingdom will be:
- Ah soul, are you here without comfort and rest, Marching down the rough pathway of time?
Make Jesus your friend ere the shadows grow dark; Oh, accept this sweet peace so sublime!
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
5 Early Christmas Songs
A song is a poetic composition. The book of Luke records five early Christmas songs.
Elizabeth’s song- Luke 1:41And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
45And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
Why is the Babe in the womb blessed?
Why should the babe in the womb leap for joy?
What does believing mean to you?
Why do you think the Holy Spirit recorded this song?
Mary’s song – Luke 1:46And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
48For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed forever.
What do Mary’s words mean to you?
Why do you think the Holy Spirit recorded this song?
Zachariah’s song – Luke 1:67And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
68Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
69And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
70As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
71That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
72To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
73The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
74That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
75In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
76And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
77To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
78Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
79To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
What do Zechariah’s words mean to you?
Why do you think the Holy Spirit recorded this song?
The angels’ song-Luke 2:8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
What do the angels’ words mean to you?
Why do you think the Holy Spirit recorded this song?
Simeon’s song-Luke 2:25And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
27And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
Have you seen the Lord’s salvation?
What do Simeon’s words mean to you?
Why do you think the Holy Spirit recorded this song?
What are the words to your song this Christmas season?
Whixh of these songs matters most to you today? Why?
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
Responses to the Christmas angels
Would you agree the appearance of an angel is unexpected and frightening?
That first Christmas time the angels appeared to different people in different circumstances.
Who are the angels?
Hebrews 1:1God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
4Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
5For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
6And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
7And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
The angel Gabriel appears to Zacharias in the temple in Jerusalem
Luke 1:8And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course,
9According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
10And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
11And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
12And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
14And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
15For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.
16And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
17And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
18And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
19And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
20And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
Gabriel’s message was specific, for the future.
Zacharias’ response was fear, unbelief
The angel Gabriel appears unto Mary in Nazareth
Luke 1:26And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
28And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37For with God nothing shall be impossible.
38And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Gabriel’s message was specific, for the future.
Mary’s response was fear, a question, faith, praise to God, acceptance of His authority
The angel appears to the shepherds in the field
Luke 2:8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
The angel’s message was a joyful announcement, specific, for the present and the future
The shepherds’ response was fear, faith, action, worship, telling others
What is your response to the Christmas angels’ message?
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
Who is this Babe in the manger?
Jesus Christ’s Identity
1) Advocate – 1 John 2:1My 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) Alive forevermore with the keys of hell and death-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:
3) Almighty – Revelation 1:I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
4) Alpha and Omega- Revelation 22:The beginning and the end
The first and the last
13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
5) The Amen – Revelation 3:The faithful and true witness – Revelation 3:
The beginning of the creation of God – Revelation 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
6) The Apostle and High Priest of our profession – Hebrews 3:1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
2Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.
7) Brightness of His glory and the express image of His person-Hebrews 1:1God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
8) Captain of the LORD’s army- Joshua 5:13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?
9) Chief Cornerstone-Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
10) Consuming fire – Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
29 For our God is a consuming fire.
11) Creator –Genesis 1:1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth
12) Christ – Matthew 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
13) Faithful=1 Corinthians 10: 13 There 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.
1 Thessalonians 5: 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
14) Faithful and just-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
15) Faithful witness– Revelation 1:
First begotten of the dead– Revlation1:
Prince of the kings of the earth– Revlation1:
The One Who loves us– Revlation1:
The One Who washed us from our sins in His own blood– Revlation1:
The One Who has made us kings and priests unto God – Revelation 1:5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
16) First and the last – Revelation 2:
He Who was dead and is alive – Revelation 2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
17) First Fruits -1 Corinthians 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
18) Forerunner – Hebrews 6:19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
20Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
19) Gift of God-John 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
20) God –Isaiah 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
21) God of all grace – 1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
11To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
22) Good Shepherd – John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
23) Great Shepherd – Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
24) He Who has the seven Spirits of God – Revelation 3: He that has the seven stars – Revelation 3:
He Who knows your works -Revelation 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
25) He Who has the sharp sword with two edges – Revelation 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
26) He Who holds the seven stars in His right hand-Revelation 2:He Who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks -Revelation 2:1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
27) He Who was and is and is to come – Revelation 1:4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
28) He Who lives and was dead – Revelation 1:
He Who is alive forever more- Revelation 1:
He Who has the keys of hell and death – Revelation 1:18 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.
29) High Priest –Hebrews 4:15 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.
30) Holy-Joshua 24:19 And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.
Psalm 22:3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
31) the I Am- John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
I Am the Light of the world-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.
I Am the Door-John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
I am the resurrection and the life-John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
I Am the way, the truth, the life – John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
I Am the bread of life-John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
I Am the Good Shepherd-John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
I am the vine-John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
32) He is the image of the invisible God – Colossians 1:33) He is the firstborn of creation- Colossians 1:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
34) all things created by Him and for Him- Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
35) He is before all things- Colossians 1:
36) By Him all things consist – Colossians 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
37) He is the head of the body; the church- Colossians 1:38) He is the beginning – Colossians 1:
38) He is the first born from the dead – Colossians 1:
40) He has pre-eminence in all things – Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
41) All the fullness of the Father dwells in Him- Colossians 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
42) He is the Reconciler of all things unto Himself- Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
43) Immanuel – Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
44) Judge – John 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
45) Lamb of God-John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
John 1:36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
46) Lion of the tribe of Judah-Revelation 5:4And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
47) Lord of glory- 1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
48) LORD of Hosts – Isaiah 47:4 As for our redeemer, the LORD of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.
49) Lord of Lords-Revelation 17: King of Kings-Revelation 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
50) Lord of the Sabbath – Mark 2:27And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
28Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
51) Mediator of the new testament– Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
15And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that wereunder the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
52) Our 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.
53) Our hope -1 Timothy 1;1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
54) Our life -– Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
55) Our Passover – 1 Corinthians 5:7Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
56) Our peace – Ephesians 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
57) Prince of Life –Acts 3:13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.
14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;
15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
58) Propitiation for our sins- 1 John 2:2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
59) Savior/Redeemer – Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins
60) Shepherd and Bishop of your soul-1 Peter 3:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
61) Son of God – Revelation 2:
He Who has His eyes like a flame of fire – Revelation 2:
He Who has feet like fine brass – Revelation 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
62) True – Revelation 3:
He that has the key of David- Revelation 3:
Holy – Revelation 3:
He that opens, and no man shuts- Revelation 3:
He that shuts and no man can open- Revelation 3:1And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
63) Wonderful, Counselor –Isaiah 9:
64) Mighty God–Isaiah 9:
65) Everlasting Father–Isaiah 9:
66) Prince of Peace –Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
67) Word of Life – 1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
Circle the three that matter most to you today-Be ready to explain why these three matter 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, 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 does it mean to be thankful?
What does it mean to be thankful? How does that differ from giving thanks?
I have pondered the difference over the Thanksgiving holiday. See if you agree with my conclusions.
Giving thanks is about things, blessings, gifts, people, circumstances; all things that can change.
Being thankful is an attitude not depending on anything that can change.
In the 10th century B.C. the psalmist wrote in Psalms 100:3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
You and I can have this attitude of gratitude because:
The LORD is God
The LORD has made us
The LORD is good
The LORD’s mercy is everlasting
The LORD’s truth endures to all generations
You and I are His people
The sheep of His pasture
What does this reality mean to you?
How should this reality play out in your daily living?
In the 1st century A.D. Paul wrote to the church at Colosse in Colossians 3:12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
You and I can have this attitude of gratitude because:
You and I are elected by God
You and I are holy
You and I are beloved by God
You and I are forgiven by Jesus Christ
You and I are called to the peace of God
What does this reality mean to you?
How should this reality play out in your daily living?
Our focus = Hebrews 12:1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
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 