Author Archives: finishingwithlampsburning
Being thankful and giving thanks
The formal time of thanksgiving approaches. What is the difference between being thankful and giving thanks? That is the question. How will you answer?
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.
Sometimes in our journeys of life we encounter difficulties, disappointments, tragedies. How can being thankful help us to run our race well?
In the 10th century B.C. the psalmist advised:
Psalms 100:4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
We have 24/7 access to the One Who is in control; the Ruler over all the earth; the God of creation; the King of Kings; the Lord of Lords; the Lord of Hosts with more options than we can comprehend; the One Who loves us with an everlasting, unconditional love; the One Who numbers the hairs on our heads.
What does that access mean to you?
How can that access help you to give thanks?
The psalmist explained why we can be thankful and have that attitude of thanksgiving always.
5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
The LORD never changes.
The LORD is good. He never does anything bad.
The LORD is merciful forever.
The LORD is truth and never changes.
In the 1st century A.D. Paul advised:
1 Thessalonians 5:18In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
How can we give thanks in difficulties, tragedies and disappointments? Paul explained in Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
We can give thanks always because of Who God is.
What do these verses mean to you?
Through it all-Andrea Crouch
I’ve had many tears and sorrows, I’ve had questions for tomorrow,
There’ve been times I didn’t know right from wrong:
But in every situation God gave blessed consolation
That my trials come to only make me strong.
Through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
I’ve learned to trust in God;
Through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.
I’ve been to lots of places, And I’ve seen a lot of faces,
There’ve been times I felt so all alone;
But in my lonely hours, Yes, those precious lonely hours,
Jesus let me know that I was His own.
Through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
I’ve learned to trust in God;
Through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.
I thank God for the mountains, And I thank Him for the valleys,
I thank Him for the storms He brought me through;
For if I’d never had a problem I wouldn’t know that He could solve them,
I’d never know what faith in God could do.
Through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
I’ve learned to trust in God;
Through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.
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
Have you heard the joyful sound?
Have you heard the joyful sound? Do you know joy from that sound?
In the 10th century B.C. the psalmist heard the sound and wrote:
Psalms 89:15Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.
In 1882 Priscilla Owens heard the sound and wrote:
- We have heard the joyful sound: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Bear the news to every land, Climb the steep, cross the waves;
Onward! ’tis our Lord’s command; Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
- Waft it on the rolling tide: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Tell to sinners far and wide: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Sing, you islands of the sea; Echo back, you ocean caves;
Earth shall keep her jubilee: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
- Sing above the battle strife: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
By His death and endless life Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Shout it brightly through the gloom, When the heart for mercy craves;
Sing in triumph o’er the tomb: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
- Give the winds a mighty voice: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Let the nations now rejoice: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Shout salvation full and free; Highest hills and deepest caves;
This our song of victory: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
When the Son of God, Jesus, limited Himself to a human body, a time in history and a geographical location, He said:
John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
47And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
John 3:14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
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.
What a sound for joy!
It matters not what we have done.
It matters not how we have sinned against God.
It matters not who we are.
The joyful sound is that God loves you so much He gave His only Son to pay the penalty for all your sins. You can be forgiven. You can have a relationship with God, your Creator. You can be destined for heaven.
We have heard the joyful sound; Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
How will you respond to that sound?
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
Psalms 100 –Praise
1(A Psalm of praise.) Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Notice the author refers to God as “LORD’ four times in five verses.
LORD = Jehovah, the I AM
Remember when God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, Moses asked God whom should he tell the people had sent him. Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
The LORD saw the agony of the Israelites.
The LORD spared them from the plaques on Egypt.
The LORD rescued them from slavery.
The LORD led them to the Promised Land.
The LORD fed them manna daily for forty years.
The LORD gave them water from a rock.
The LORD showed them His shekinah glory.
The LORD fought for them and brought victory over their enemies.
The LORD gave them a tabernacle to meet with Him.
The LORD gave them commandments for living.
What does the I AM mean to you?
The psalmist tells us to make a joyful noise unto the LORD. He doesn’t say only if you have a beautiful voice. The LORD made the crow as well as the nightingale and enjoys the songs of both.
What is the connection between joy, gladness and singing?
What keeps you from praising the LORD?
What about serving the LORD brings gladness to you?
We can come before His presence 24//7! Why is that praiseworthy?
The LORD uniquely designed and created only one you. That means He knows all about you and completely understands you. How well do you understand yourself?
What does it mean to you to be part of His people?
What does it mean to you to be in His pasture?
What does it mean to have the LORD as your Shepherd; provision, protection, direction and correction?
You are welcome into His gates and into His court.
What does it mean to you that the gates to the most High God are always open to you?
What does it mean to you that you are welcome into His court, where judgment on issues is decided?
What is the difference between being thankful and giving thanks?
How can you bless His Name?
What does it mean to you that the LORD is good?
What does it mean to you that the LORD’s mercy is everlasting?
What does it mean to you that the LORD’s truth endures to all generations?
Our focus = Hebrews 12:1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
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
The Promised Messiah enters Jerusalem
Jesus Christ enters Jerusalem
The book of Zechariah was written in the 8th century B.C. and focuses on the promised Messiah’s advents to earth.
Zechariah 9:9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
10And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.
The Messiah is a King.
The Messiah will appear lowly riding on a donkey.
The Messiah is just and offers salvation. We need saving rom the penalty of our sin, from the pattern and habit of our sin and from the very presence of our sin. That is what the Messiah offers.
The Messiah is a Conqueror, strong in battle.
The Messiah speaks peace even to the heathen.
The Messiah will set up His kingdom even to the ends of the earth.
How does the Messiah of verse 9 compare to the Messiah of verse 10?
In His first advent Jesus Christ enters Jerusalem lowly on a donkey
John 12:12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
13Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
14And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,
15Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.
16These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
The Jewish chief priests refused to accept Jesus as the promised Messiah
John 19:12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.
13When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.
14And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!
15But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.
16Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.
In His second advent Jesus Christ enters Jerusalem on a horse as a conquering king
Revelation 19:11And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
The Messiah is faithful and true
The Messiah is crowned with many crowns
The Messiah will smite the nations and rule them
The Messiah brings the wrath of God on His rebellious creatures
The Messiah is King of kings
The Messiah is Lord of lords
Notice the Messiah ‘s Name is called the ‘Word of God’. Look what John says:
John 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2The same was in the beginning with God.
3All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.
4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
The King is Coming-Ray Boltz
The Market place is empty-No more traffic in the streets
All the builders tools are silent-No more time to harvest wheat
Busy housewives cease their labors-in the courtroom no debate
Work on earth has been suspended As the King comes thro’ the gate
The King is coming-The King is coming
I just heard the trumpet sounding And now His face I see
The King is coming-The King is coming
Praise God He’s coming for me
Happy faces line the hallway-Those whose lives have been redeemed
Broken homes that He has mended -Those from prison He’s set free
Little children and the aged Hand in hand stand all aglow
who were crippled broken ruined-Clad in garments white as snow
I can hear the chariots rumble-I can see the marching throng
And the flurry of God’s trumpets spell the end of sin and wrong
Regal robes are now unfolding -Heaven’s grandstands all in place
Heaven’s choir is now assembled Start to sing Amazing Grace
The King is coming, the King is coming, Praise God He’s coming for me.
Questions for Reflection
1) The Messiah allowed rejection at His first advent. Will you be ready for His second advent?
Revelation 19: 17And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;
18That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
19And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
20And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
21And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
Revelation 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
3And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
4And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received hismark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
7And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
8And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
9And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
10And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
11And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
2) In which resurrection will you be?
3) Is your name in the book of life?
Those who receive salvation the Messiah offered in His first advent have their names written on that Book of Life. John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
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.
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
Be Attitudes
You and I live in a fallen creation that is no longer perfect or even good. How can we live in a way that pleases our Creator? When Jesus limited Himself to a physical body, a geographical location and a time in history He gave these instructions about attitudes.
Matthew 5:1And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Be attitudes toward God
3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Acknowledge your need for God
4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted
Be sensitive to your lack of holiness
5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Keep your strength under control
6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Desire to be right with God
Be attitudes toward others
7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Do not take vengeance
8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Avoid deception and see what others miss
9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Avoid conflict
10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Stay the course
12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Questions for Reflection
1) Why do you think Jesus taught about attitudes rather than actions?
2) Which of these attitudes is hardest for you?
3) Which of these attitudes do you most often see in others?
4) What does this promise mean to you? 2 Corinthians 12:9 And 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.
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
When you need to forgive yourself
When you need to forgive yourself
You and I live in an imperfect world. Sin and death have entered this fallen creation, which is no longer perfect and not even good. Each of us has done wrong. We make mistakes. We are not perfect. We are all sinners saved only by the grace of Jesus Christ. Many of us have regrets. Regrets for things we did and regrets for things we did not do. When you hang onto those regrets you give the enemy a tool to attack and defeat you.
1) Confess to Jesus Christ – 1 John 1:9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Tell Jesus Christ what you did, why you did it and that you know it was wrong
Ask His forgiveness – He won’t punish, ridicule or be surprised. His love is unconditional!
Receive His forgiveness and His cleansing
Be thankful for your Savior
- Accept that your debt has been paid in full -Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
- Be Humble
Remember who you are – Psalms 103:10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
Paul’s example –Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Remember whose you are- Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Remember Jesus Christ’s purpose for you – Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
- Trust Jesus Christ to work the situation for good –Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his
Is your inability to forgive yourself stemming from expectations others have of you?
Is your inability to forgive yourself stemming from expectations you have of you?
What is the reason you cannot forgive yourself?
Do you not want to forgive yourself?
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,
Do you know this song?
Jesus Paid It All by Elvina Hall, 1865
I hear the Savior say, thy strength indeed is small
Child of weakness, watch and pray, find in Me thine all in all
Jesus paid it all -All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow
Lord, now indeed I find Thy power and Thine alone
Can change the leper’s spots and melt the heart of stone
Jesus paid it all-All to him I owe
Sin had left this crimson stain, He washed it white as snow
And when before the throne I stand in Him complete
“Jesus died my soul to save” my lips shall still repeat
Jesus paid it all-All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow
(He washed it white as snow)
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
When you need to forgive
When you need to forgive-You are responsible for your behavior concerning those who harm you
1) Commit what you do to the LORD.
Proverbs.16:3Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
LORD = I AM, Jehovah
Commit = give custody
Work = words, actions
Established = appointed by God
What does this verse mean to you?
How can this verse apply to your circumstances?
2) Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:12 Put 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.
Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him. They sold him into slavery and told their father that a wild beast had killed him. Years later, Joseph is in power in Egypt. Their father has died. The brothers fear Joseph will now take vengeance on them.
Genesis 50:19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
20But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
21Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
How can you apply Joseph’s attitude and actions to your circumstances?
Jesus completely understands and stands ready to help you.
3) Love them – Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
36Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Real love is not based on worthiness or it would change often
- Fulfill your continuing debt to love – Romans 13:8 Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
- Live out the reality of belonging in God’s family – John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
- Do good to them (demonstrate you carry no grudge)
Meet their needs. Proverbs. 25:21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
22For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
This will either melt them or give evidence of coming judgment
The Lord promises a reward perhaps the reward will be a restored relationship!
- Lend them grace – don’t set an end date- Wait for fruit in its season
Lend = let another use temporarily
4) Live peacefully with them; leave vengeance to God.
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.
20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Where does wrath belong?
How long should you live peacefully? only from today until we see Christ!
Life is your opportunity to live out your “thank You” to God.
Our focus = Hebrews 12:1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
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 need forgiveness
When you need forgiveness
You are responsible for your behavior concerning those you have harmed
1) Confess to God – 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.
Tell God what you did and why
Ask His forgiveness- He won’t punish, ridicule or be surprised
Receive His forgiveness and cleansing- He will honor the payment Jesus gave
– a clean vessel can be used by Him
Excessive guilt is destructive, thankless, stems from ego that says you are perfect
2) List out the details
Write down exactly what you did for which you are sorry/practice saying it
Don’t stray off into what others did- you cannot apologize for them. Do not accuse!
3) Verbalize your apology.
Keep it simple – they need to hear exactly what you are sorry for
I am sorry that I….
Your apology opens the other’s spirit to you
Give anxiety over to Jesus – we need Him. 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
4 Make amends – Make amends for the past so God can transform the present
Your actions give evidence of a changed attitude
Your actions free you from resentments/guilt
5) Leave the results to God Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
God appoints the time your efforts will bear fruit
A leaf evidences life – your new life in Jesus will not wither
When you live God’s way, your life will be all He intends you to be!
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
Forgiveness in King David’s Family
Forgiveness in King David’s family
According to 2 Samuel 13 & 14, King David took no action when his son, Amnon, raped his daughter, Tamar. But King David banished his son, Absalom, for killing Amnon.
1) How does God describe David’s thoughts of Absalom?
2 Samuel 14:1 Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart was toward Absalom.
2) How much time passed? 2 Samuel 14:28 So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king’s face.
29Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king; but he would not come to him: and when he sent again the second time, he would not come.
3) What did Absalom do? 2 Samuel 15:1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
2And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
3And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.
4Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!
5And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.
6And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
What do you think Absalom was trying to accomplish?
What do you think were Absalom’s emotions?
What do you think were Absalom’s motives?
4) How did King David react?
2 Samuel 15:13 And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.
14And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.
15And the king’s servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.
16And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.
17And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.
Why do you think King David took this action?
Do you see an alternative action for King David?
5) How did Absalom die? 2 Samuel 18:9 And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.
10And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.
11 And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle.
12And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine hand against the king’s son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none touch the young man Absalom.
13Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine own life: for there is no matter hid from the king, and thou thyself wouldest have set thyself against me.
14Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.
6) How did King David react?
2 Samuel 18:32 And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is.
33And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!
Do you understand King David’s reaction?
Do you think King David was sincere?
7) Did forgiveness play a role in this family’s story?
8) How could forgiveness have made a difference?
If King David loved Absalom, why did he not express that love?
Did King David express his love for Absalom to Absalom?
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
Forgiveness – Who needs it?
Forgiveness, Who needs it?
What is forgiveness?
- Webster’s New World Dictionary: To pass over an offense and free the offender from consequences; to grant pardon without harboring resentment.
- Forgiveness is a decision (action word) NOT an emotion!
- Forgiveness is needed by the offender and the offended
- Lack of forgiveness ties us to the event, the person, the situation, the past
- Forgiveness is not a natural response, we need God’s help
What isn’t forgiveness?
- It is not excusing the harm done.
- It is not giving permission to do it again.
Respect in relationships means holding the person accountable for their talk and actions
Why is forgiveness needed?
- Something wrong has been done
- Forgiveness breaks the hurting cycle: Hurt people hurt people
- Failure to forgive = hard feelings = broken relationships =failure to forgive = hard feelings. The cycle can break with me!
- Forgiveness overcomes resentments – only love is stronger than hate
Who needs forgiveness?
- Forgiveness is a two-way street needed for restoration of a relationship
Can’t choose what hurt comes your way, can choose to forgive
- Willingness to forgive releases you from hard feelings, frees you to live in the present, enables peace of mind – even when the other person doesn’t ask for forgiveness.
Roadblocks to forgiveness
- let bygones be bygones seem like good advice but people harbor resentments
- Time isn’t right – If not now, when?
Which apology reveals regret for one’s own actions?
I am sorry you were offended
I am sorry I said those words that offended you
You are not responsible for how someone else feels or thinks. You cannot apologize for someone else.
Which is better, an apology or making amends?
Apology = words
Amends = actions, changed attitude displayed in behavior toward that person
The best action is to verbalize your apology and then show by your continuing actions the apology was sincere.
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 