In this study we will examine God’s love and how we can use that love as an anchor when the storms of life hit.

Someone once said we are all either living in a life storm, just exiting a life storm or just entering a life storm. Where are you today? Be assured God knows, cares and can enable you for victory.

The first aspect of God’s love we will examine is the quality of His love for you.

1) Quality of God’s love for you is unconditional.

     There is no ‘I will love you if’.

There is no ‘I will love you when’.

There is no ‘I will love you until’.

There is nothing you need do to earn God’s love

There is nothing you can do to diminish God’s love

Everyone needs to be loved for who they are

not for what they do,

not for what they look like,

not for what they have done,

not for what they possess

 To be loved for me,

To be loved you see Is all I really need
To grow and learn and with it, the spirit feed

Not for what or why or if, But in its purest form a gift
Not for when or whom or where But shows itself so clear

So give me love, Unconditional love
The kind that makes me love And give more love to all

How God defines love 1 Corinthians 13:⁴ Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

⁵ Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

⁶ Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

⁷ Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

⁸ Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

⁹ For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

¹⁰ But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

¹¹ When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

¹² For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

¹³ And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

God’s identity is love according to John 4:⁸ He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Questions for Reflection:

1) The evidence of God’s unconditional love:

John 19⁵ Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!

⁶ When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.

⁷ The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.

⁸ When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;

⁹ And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

¹⁰ Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?

¹¹ Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

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.

¹³ When 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.

¹⁴ And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!

¹⁵ But 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.

¹⁶ Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.

¹⁷ And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

¹⁸ Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

¹⁹ And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

²⁰ This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.

²¹ Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.

²² Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.

²³ Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

²⁴ They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

²⁵ Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

²⁶ When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

²⁷ Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

²⁸ After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

²⁹ Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.

³⁰ When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

What love do you see in these verses?

2) How do you define love?

3) What does love look like to you? How do you know it when you see it?

4) Who do you love unconditionally? Why?

5) Who has shown unconditional love to you?

6) What do these verses mean to you?

John 14: ²³ Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

John 16:²⁷ For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

Mark 10: ²¹ Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

John 13:¹ Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

Matthew 26:⁵⁶ But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

John 3:¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

¹⁷ For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

¹⁸ He 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.

¹⁹ And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed  and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will       accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run being yoked to Emmanuel!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run to obtain an incorruptible crown!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when together you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

 

The summer Olympic Games are underway in Rio. These international games began in 1896 and occur every four years. The athletes have trained and prepared and anticipated the competition in the 28 sports constituting the games.

The Olympic Games were referenced in 1 A.D. by the apostle Paul. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:²⁴Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

²⁵And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

²⁶I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

²⁷But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Definitions

Prize =reward for victory

Do you want to hear Jesus say ‘well done’?

Obtain =acquire through effort

How much effort are you willing to give to win Jesus’ approval?

Strive = try hard

Mastery =expert skill

Which skills have you been developing?

Incorruptible = cannot be perverted, decayed, dissolved

Subjection = under control and influence

How well do you know your inner-self (self-image, emotions, interests, beliefs, attitudes) and

the automatic control your inner-self has over your choices?

In your marathon of life there will be training, trials, triumph and all require your trust in Jesus Christ, your Master Life Coach.

Training

Before David faced the giant Goliath, he first faced both a lion and a bear. 1 Samuel 17:³²And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.

³³And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.

³⁴And 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:

³⁵And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.

³⁶Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

³⁷David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

Do you see how facing the lion and the bear prepared David to face Goliath?

How can you apply David’s example in your current circumstances?

Trials

Preparing for the Olympic Games involves trials to assess the athletes’ ability and preparedness.

In 1 A.D. James assured us there would be trials in life and he gave encouragement in James 1:¹James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

²My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

³Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

⁴But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

⁵If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

⁶But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

As your Master Life Coach, Jesus Christ has a specific goal for developing 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.

Conform-to become similar, to act in harmony

Image-likeness or representation of a person, optical counterpart

Firstborn-first in the order or result

God is actively working for you to become similar to Jesus Christ and to act in harmony with Jesus Christ.

What does that mean to you?

Jesus Christ provides you provision, protection, direction and correction for your earthly journey.

Psalms 23:¹ (A Psalm of David.) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

² He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

³ He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Provision and direction

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Protection and direction and correction

⁵ Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Questions for reflection

1) What provision of your Master Life Coach do you see in your circumstances?

2) What protection of your Master Life Coach do you see in your circumstances?

3) What direction of your Master Life Coach do you see in your circumstances?

4) Is there some correction of your Master Life Coach for you in your circumstances?

Your Master Life Coach will never leave you-

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

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

Your Master Life Coach works all things in you and through you for good

Romans 8: ²⁷ And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Your Master Life Coach understands everything you feel

Hebrews 4:¹³ Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

¹⁴ Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

¹⁵ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Your Master Life Coach wants you to ask Him for help

Matthew 7:⁷ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

⁸ For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

⁹ Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

¹⁰ Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

¹¹ If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

What do you need to run your race? Patience? Longsuffering? Faith? Meekness?

Triumph

What do these words mean to you? 2 Corinthians 2:¹⁴ Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

¹⁵For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

¹⁶To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

Trust

Nahum 1:⁷ The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will         accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run being yoked to Emmanuel!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run to obtain an incorruptible crown!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when together you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

There is just one you!

In all the world over and in all of history, Jesus Christ made only one you. There is none other exactly like you. You have special physical attributes, personality, strengths, limitations, preferences, talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts. There is only one you. You are unique, designed and created especially by Jesus Christ for His good pleasure. Revelation 4:¹¹ Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Jesus Christ never makes junk.

Everyone can see your behavior and the choices you make.

Your inner-self is hidden from others and to some degree from you as well.

In this study we will examine the components of your inner-self and how those components control your choices, decision making and behavior. Examining the components of the inner-self helps to identify the influence the inner-self has over choices, decisions and behavior. Understanding the influence of the inner-self on choices, decisions and behavior gives you the choice of whether or not to overrule that influence. Reflection helps you to understand your inner-self and what is going on beneath the surface.

The purpose of this study is:

1) to enable you to understand yourself;

2) to enable you to take control of your inner-self;

3) to enable you to make the choices that will lead to your success;

4) to enable you to make wise choices that exhibit the behavior Jesus Christ desires from you.

Because learning changes who we are and our aspirations, learning is an experience of identity. As you grow and develop, you learn about the identity others assign to you.

Society’s definition of you can be wrong

Society’s definition of you can be learned mistakenly

Some people do not learn well and adopt dysfunctional beliefs about themselves

Personal filters are formed by experiences. Together, experiences and personal filters derived from those experiences influence how you make sense of new experiences.

Interests

Interests are things that engage your attention, concern, curiosity and make you want to learn more

Do you have an interest in music?

Do you have an interest in mechanics?

Do you have an interest in poetry?

Do you have an interest in sports?

Do you have an interest in politics?

Do you have an interest in helping others?

Do you have an interest in travel?

Do you have an interest in_________________________________

Do you have a dream?

How do you spend most of your time?

Proverbs 37:³ Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

⁴ Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

⁵ Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

⁶ And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

⁷ Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Trust -reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety of a person or thing; confident        expectation of something; hope

Delight  -a high degree of pleasure or enjoyment; joy; rapture

Commit -to entrust, especially for safekeeping;

Rest  -relief or freedom, especially from anything that wearies, troubles, or disturbs; a period or interval of inactivity, repose, solitude, or tranquility; mental or spiritual calm;      cessation from action, motion, labor, or exertion; being confident and trustful

Wait- toremaininactiveorinastateofrepose,asuntilsomethingexpectedhappens;to be          available or in readiness

Fret – tofeelorexpressworry,annoyance,discontent;tomakeawaybygnawing,corrosion,          wearing away

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will        accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run being yoked to Emmanuel!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run to obtain an incorruptible crown!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when together you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

There is just one you!

In all the world over and in all of history, Jesus Christ made only one you. There is none other exactly like you. You have special physical attributes, personality, strengths, limitations, preferences, talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts. There is only one you. You are unique, designed and created especially by Jesus Christ for His good pleasure. Revelation 4:¹¹ Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Jesus Christ never makes junk.

Everyone can see your behavior and the choices you make.

Your inner-self is hidden from others and to some degree from you as well.

In this study we will examine the components of your inner-self and how those components control your choices, decision making and behavior. Examining the components of the inner-self helps to identify the influence the inner-self has over choices, decisions and behavior. Understanding the influence of the inner-self on choices, decisions and behavior gives you the choice of whether or not to overrule that influence. Reflection helps you to understand your inner-self and what is going on beneath the surface.

The purpose of this study is:

1) to enable you to understand yourself;

2) to enable you to take control of your inner-self;

3) to enable you to make the choices that will lead to your success;

4) to enable you to make wise choices that exhibit the behavior Jesus Christ desires from you.

Because learning changes who we are and our aspirations, learning is an experience of identity. As you grow and develop, you learn about the identity others assign to you.

Society’s definition of you can be wrong

Society’s definition of you can be learned mistakenly

Some people do not learn well and adopt dysfunctional beliefs about themselves

Personal filters are formed by experiences. Together, experiences and personal filters derived from those experiences influence how you make sense of new experiences.

Attitudes

Attitudes are your personal rules for approaching life. Attitudes drive your actions and personal preferences. Attitudes are developed over time and are based on your self-image and meaningful experiences. How do you approach life?

What is your attitude about how to get along with others?

What is your attitude about prioritizing your day?

What is your attitude about making mistakes?

What is your attitude about family?

What is your attitude about alone time?

What is your attitude about work?

What is your attitude about church?

What is your attitude about God?

What is your attitude about servanthood?

What is your attitude about your current circumstances?

Would you say your attitude about yourself is self-affirming?

Would you say your attitude is hopeless or hopeful?

Would you say your attitude is helpless or helpful?

Examples of Attitudes

Job after losing all his children, possessions and health and hearing his friends accuse him-Job 13:¹⁵ Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

¹⁶ He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him.

Orpha 10^th century BC after losing her husband -Ruth 1:¹⁵ And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.

Ruth 10^th century BC after losing her husband -Ruth 1:¹⁶ And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:

¹⁷ Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

Queen Esther 5^th century BC after learning of the royal command to kill Jews-Esther 4¹³Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.

¹⁴ For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

¹⁵ Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,

¹⁶ Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

King Saul’s attitude after learning about David -1 Samuel 18:⁸ And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?

⁹ And Saul eyed David from that day and forward

¹⁰ And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul’s hand.

¹¹ And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.

¹² And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.

¹³ Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.

¹⁴ And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.

¹⁵ Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him.

²⁸ And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul’s daughter loved him.

²⁹ And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David’s enemy continually.

David’s attitude upon learning of King Saul’s death-2 Samuel 1:¹⁷ And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:

¹⁸ (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)

¹⁹ The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!

²⁰ Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.

²¹ Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil.

²² From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.

²³ Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.

²⁴ Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.

²⁵ How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.

²⁶ I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.

²⁷ How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!

Mary’s attitude upon learning she will have a child by the Holy Spirit-Luke 1:³⁸ And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her

John the Baptist’s attitude after learning that all men are coming to Jesus-John 3:³⁰ He must increase, but I must decrease.

Paul’s attitude around 60 AD as Nero’s prisoner

Philippians 1:¹⁹ For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

²⁰ According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

²¹ For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

 

Questions for Reflection

• Which one of these attitudes matters most to you?

• Which one of these attitudes is the most difficult for you to understand?

• Is there an attitude you want to change?

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will        accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run being yoked to Emmanuel!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run to obtain an incorruptible crown!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when together you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

 

There is just one you!

In all the world over and in all of history, Jesus Christ made only one you. There is none other exactly like you. You have special physical attributes, personality, strengths, limitations, preferences, talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts. There is only one you. You are unique, designed and created especially by Jesus Christ for His good pleasure. Revelation 4:¹¹ Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Jesus Christ never makes junk.

Everyone can see your behavior the result of choices you make.

Your inner-self is completely hidden from others and to some degree from you as well.

In this study we will examine the components of your inner-self and how those components control your choices, decision making and behavior. Examining the components of the inner-self helps to identify the influence the inner-self has over choices, decisions and behavior. Understanding the influence of the inner-self on choices, decisions and behavior gives you the choice of whether or not to overrule that influence. Reflection helps you to understand your inner-self and what is going on beneath the surface.

The purpose of this study is:

1) to enable you to understand yourself;

2) to enable you to take control of your inner-self;

3) to enable you to make the choices that will lead to your success;

4) to enable you to make wise choices that exhibit the behavior Jesus Christ desires from you.

Because learning changes who we are and our aspirations, learning is an experience of identity. As you grow and develop, you learn about the identity others assign to you.

Society’s definition of you can be wrong

Society’s definition of you can be learned mistakenly

Some people do not learn well and adopt dysfunctional beliefs about themselves

Personal filters are formed by experiences. Together, experiences and personal filters derived from those experiences influence how you make sense of new experiences.

Emotions

This part of your body’s signal system informs you about what is going on around you. In much the same way as nerve endings in your hand warn you the stove is hot, emotions warn you about what is going on around you. You are entitled to your emotions. No one can tell you how you should or should not feel. Your emotions are God-given. Emotions are neither right nor wrong of themselves. How you respond to your emotions can be wrong.

What are emotions?

Emotions are a valuable part of you!

Emotions are God-given

You are entitled to your emotions! (No one can tell how another should feel)

You are not responsible for anyone else’s emotions

Remember you are unique for His reasons – 1 Corinthians 4:⁶ And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

⁷ For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

Why do we have our emotions?

Emotions are part of your body’s signal system, neither right nor wrong of themselves.

(What is causing this feeling? – the present or the unresolved past?)

If you don’t control your emotions they will control you.

Control isn’t burying/suppressing emotion but to set boundaries around it

Behavior reflects your response to those emotional signals

Does your behavior indicate you are in control or your emotions are in control?

When behavior reflects an emotion that is controlling you, the better response was not chosen

Negative emotions sap your energy – anger, fear, worry, jealousy, hurt feelings, envy, lust

– help you to blame others or things rather than taking responsibility for yourself

– signal a need to change your response to the emotion and take control

Emotional pain does not mean your relationship with Jesus Christ has failed.

Emotional pain does not make you a second class Christian.

Jesus understands each emotion you feel and He can help. Hebrews 2:⁵ For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.

⁶ But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?

⁷ Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

⁸ Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.

⁹ But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

¹⁰ For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

¹¹ For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

¹² Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

¹³ And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.

¹⁴ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

¹⁵ And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

¹⁶ For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

¹⁷ Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

¹⁸ For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Questions for reflection

• Does your behavior indicate you are in control or your emotions are in control?

 

• What are your emotions currently telling you?

 

When someone tells you that you shouldn’t feel that way, how do you respond?

 

Which emotion are you feeling most right now?

• Is your life short-circuited by a negative emotion? Which one?_____________

• Is your attitude self-affirming or self-degrading?

• What does it matter to you that Jesus took on human flesh like you?

• What emotion do you most often feel? Do you know why?

• What emotion is the most difficult for you to control?

• Is there an emotion you do not often feel? Do you know 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,

² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will        accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run being yoked to Emmanuel!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run to obtain an incorruptible crown!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when together you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

 

 

Getting to know your inner-self, examining your values

There is just one you!

In all the world over and in all of history, Jesus Christ made only one you. There is none other exactly like you. You have special physical attributes, personality, strengths, limitations, preferences, talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts. There is only one you. You are unique, designed and created especially by Jesus Christ for His good pleasure. Revelation 4:¹¹ Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Jesus Christ never makes junk.

Everyone can see your behavior the result of choices you make.

Your inner-self is completely hidden from others and to some degree from you as well.

In this study we will examine the components of your inner-self and how those components control your choices, decision making and behavior. Examining the components of the inner-self helps to identify the influence the inner-self has over choices, decisions and behavior. Understanding the influence of the inner-self on choices, decisions and behavior gives you the choice of whether or not to overrule that influence. Reflection helps you to understand your inner-self and what is going on beneath the surface.

The purpose of this study is:

1) to enable you to understand yourself;

2) to enable you to take control of your inner-self;

3) to enable you to make the choices that will lead to your success;

4) to enable you to make wise choices that exhibit the behavior Jesus Christ desires from you.

Values

The standards for evaluating your actions are based on personal needs. Values are developed from personal experiences and influence how you process information. Personal values may be to some extent known to you. Most people cannot articulate their values because they haven’t taken time to reflect on what really matters to them and why it really matters.

What are values?

• Values are priorities with personal significance
• Values are exhibited to others by your behavior

What is the role of values?

• Values are a prime factor in making choices
• Values act as a filter for processing information
• Values guide and influence behavior.

Value Choices

achievement	alone time	ambition
being genuine	comfort	compassion
creativity	determination	discernment
excellence	excitement	exercise
faith	fame	family
friends	financial security	happiness
helping others	honesty	hope
influence	integrity	intimate relationship
joy	leaving a legacy	love
making a difference	material success	organization and order
passion	peace and quiet	perfection
positive attitude	power	purity
recognition	reading God’s word	respect for self
self expression	sense of humor	stability
success	team work	truth
wisdom	worship

Add values that aren’t on this list

__________________________          ___________________________

Select your top 10 values

Narrow the 10 down to your top 3 values

 

Articulate your top 3 values and why they matter to you. Be ready to help people important to you to understand why these values matter to you.

 

1)________________________________________________________________

2)__________________________ ____________________________________

3)________________________________________________________________

How do you see your values influencing your behavior?

Life is built on character, character is built on decisions, decisions are built on values and values are built on faith. Warren W. Wiersbe

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will        accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run being yoked to Emmanuel!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run to obtain an incorruptible crown!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when together you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

 

There is just one you!

In all the world over and in all of history, Jesus Christ made only one you. There is none other exactly like you. You have special physical attributes, personality, strengths, limitations, preferences, talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts. There is only one you. You are unique, designed and created especially by Jesus Christ for His good pleasure. Revelation 4:¹¹ Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Jesus Christ never makes junk.

Everyone can see your behavior the result of choices you make.

Your inner-self is completely hidden from others and to some degree from you as well.

In this study we will examine the components of your inner-self and how those components control your choices, decision making and behavior. Examining the components of the inner-self helps to identify the influence the inner-self has over choices, decisions and behavior. Understanding the influence of the inner-self on choices, decisions and behavior gives you the choice of whether or not to overrule that influence. Reflection helps you to understand your inner-self and what is going on beneath the surface.

The purpose of this study is:

1) to enable you to understand yourself;

2) to enable you to take control of your inner-self;

3) to enable you to make the choices that will lead to your success;

4) to enable you to make wise choices that exhibit the behavior Jesus Christ desires from you.

Because learning changes who we are and our aspirations, learning is an experience of identity. As you grow and develop, you learn about the identity others assign to you.

Society’s definition of you can be wrong

Society’s definition of you can be learned mistakenly

Some people do not learn well and adopt dysfunctional beliefs about themselves

Personal filters are formed by experiences. Together, experiences and personal filters derived from those experiences influence how you make sense of new experiences.

Beliefs

These habits of thought guide behavior. Inaccurate beliefs about self will cause you to act in a manner that makes sense to you but may not produce your desired outcome.

What are beliefs?

• habits of thinking
• developed in attempt to make sense of reality as you see it
• acquired through direct and indirect learning experiences;
• interpreted subjectively

Irrational beliefs can prevent making choices that satisfy. If you have not reflected on your beliefs, you may be unable to articulate your personal definition of who you believe you are.

What do you believe about who you are?

How did you come to believe that?

Is that belief correct?

Why is it important to you that you believe that?

What do you believe are your strengths?

How did you come to believe that?

Is that belief correct?

Why is it important to you that you believe that?

What do you believe are your limitations?

How did you come to believe that?

Is that belief correct?

Why is it important to you that you believe that?

Should Jesus ask “Do you believe?”.  How will you answer?

You and I live in a fallen creation. Sin and death have entered the world. No one can see God face-to-face as Adam and Eve did.  When you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, His enemy becomes your enemy. Your enemy wants to steal your inheritance, destroy your testimony and take many others down with you. Your enemy’s weapon of choice is lies, often lies about Who Jesus Christ is and often lies about who you are in Jesus.

But Jesus came to earth that you and I might have abundant life and He always gives you the victory.

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.

¹¹ I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

1 Corinthians 15:⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Why is it sometimes hard for you and me to believe Jesus Christ?

1-Your ways are not Jesus Christ’s ways-Isaiah 55:⁸ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

¹⁰ For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

¹¹ So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

2- Your sin nature struggles for control over your new nature – Romans 7:¹⁷ Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

¹⁸ For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

¹⁹ For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

²⁰ Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

²¹ I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

²² For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

²³ But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

²⁴ O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

²⁵ I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

So when your circumstances are hard and confusing, how will you answer Jesus’ question about your will to believe Him?

A father of a son with a problem provided an answer that pleased Jesus Christ. In this account, Jesus and 3 of His disciples have just experienced His transfiguration according to Mark 9:¹⁴And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.

¹⁵ And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.

¹⁶ And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?

¹⁷ And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;

¹⁸ And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.

¹⁹ He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.

²⁰ And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.

²¹ And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.

²² And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.

²³ Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

²⁴ And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

²⁵ When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

²⁶ And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.

²⁷ But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.

Questions for Reflection

1) What emotions do you see in the father’s words and actions?

2) Do you have similar emotions about your situation?

3) What about the father’s answer pleased Jesus Christ do you think?

4) Do you see evidence of faith in the father?

5) Why do you think the father asked for help about his believing?

6) What do you suppose James means in James 1: ⁵ If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

⁶ But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

⁷ For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

⁸ A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will        accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run being yoked to Emmanuel!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run to obtain an incorruptible crown!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when together you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

Getting to know your inner-self, examining your self-image

There is just one you!

In all the world over and in all of history, Jesus Christ made only one you. There is none other exactly like you. You have special physical attributes, personality, strengths, limitations, preferences, talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts. There is only one you. You are unique, designed and created especially by Jesus Christ for His good pleasure. Revelation 4:¹¹ Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Jesus Christ never makes junk.

Everyone can see your behavior the result of choices you make.

Your inner-self is completely hidden from others and to some degree from you as well.

In this study we will examine the components of your inner-self and how those components control your choices, decision making and behavior. Examining the components of the inner-self helps to identify the influence the inner-self has over choices, decisions and behavior. Understanding the influence of the inner-self on choices, decisions and behavior gives you the choice of whether or not to overrule that influence. Reflection helps you to understand your inner-self and what is going on beneath the surface.

The purpose of this study is:

1) to enable you to understand yourself;

2) to enable you to take control of your inner-self;

3) to enable you to make the choices that will lead to your success;

4) to enable you to make wise choices that exhibit the behavior Jesus Christ desires from you.

 

Because learning changes who we are and our aspirations, learning is an experience of identity. As you grow and develop, you learn about the identity others assign to you.

Society’s definition of you can be wrong

Society’s definition of you can be learned mistakenly

Some people do not learn well and adopt dysfunctional beliefs about themselves

Personal filters are formed by experiences. Together, experiences and personal filters derived from those experiences influence how you make sense of new experiences.

Meaningful Experiences Shape Your Inner-Self

Everyone can see your behavior and the choices you make.

Your inner-self is hidden from others and to some degree from you as well.

Many people know what they do but they may not know why they do it and could not correctly answer the question: ‘Why do I behave this way’. That is a question to consider.

In this study we will examine the components of your inner-self and how those components control your choices, decision making and behavior. Examining the components of the inner-self helps to identify the influence the inner-self has over decisions and behavior. Understanding the influence of the inner-self on decisions and behavior gives you the choice of whether or not to overrule that influence. Reflection helps you to understand your inner-self and what is going on beneath the surface.

Self-image

The image you have of yourself is developed over time and based on your perceptions and interpretations of circumstances and experiences encountered throughout your lifetime. Your self-image can vary by life role and situation. For example, you may see yourself as excelling in one life role but not so proficient in another life role.

What is the self-image?

• the idea that you have about the kind of person you are
• everything you think and feel about yourself
• your self-image has subjective (results from understanding your own uniqueness) and objective elements (results of comparing yourself to others)

Your assumptions about yourself may not be true!

Role of the self-image

• automatically influences your choices
• your satisfaction in life is in proportion to the degree your self-image is implemented

How do you see yourself?

What five characteristics would you use to describe yourself?

1

2

3

4

5

How does the way you describe yourself match with the way Jesus Christ describes you?

Who You Are in Jesus Christ

1) Alive – Colossians 2: ¹³ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

John 5: ²⁴ Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

1 John 3: ¹⁴ We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

2) Accepted –Ephesians 1:⁶To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

3) Beloved with an everlasting love – Jeremiah 31:³The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Ephesians 2:⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

⁵ Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

⁶ And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

⁷ That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

4) Caused to triumph in Christ Jesus – 2 Corinthians 2:¹⁴ Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

5) Chosen before the foundation of the world-Ephesians 1:⁴According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

6) Complete-Colossians 2:⁶ As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

⁷ Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

⁸ Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

⁹ For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

¹⁰ And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Colossians 4:¹² Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

7) Created 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:

8) Delivered from the power of darkness –Colossians 1:³ Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

9) Forgiven of all trespasses and sin– Colossians. 2:¹³ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Colossians. 1:¹⁴ In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Ephesians.1:⁷ In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

10) Free –John 8:³¹ Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

³² And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

11) Healed with His stripes – Isaiah 53:⁵But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

12) Heir-Galatians 4:⁴ But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

⁵ To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

⁶ And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

⁷ Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Romans 8:⁴ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

¹⁵ For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

¹⁶ The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

¹⁷ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

13) His workmanship Ephesians 2:¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

14) Indwelled by Christ – Colossians 1:²⁷ To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

15) Indwelled by the Father-Ephesians 4:⁶ One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

16) Indwelled by the Holy Spirit – John 15: ²⁶ But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 16:¹³ Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

17) Justified – Titus 3: ⁷That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal

18) Laborer together with God-1 Corinthians 3:⁹ For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.

19)  New – Ephesians 2: ¹⁵ Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Ephesians 4:²⁴ And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Colossians 3: ¹⁰ And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

20) Reconciled to God – Colossians 1:²¹ And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

²² In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

21) Redeemed from the penalty of death and slavery to sin –

Galatians 3: ¹³ Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

¹⁴ That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

 

Titus 2:¹¹ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

¹² Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and   godly, in this present world;

¹³ Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

¹⁴ Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

22) Regenerated – Titus 3:⁴But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

⁵ Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

⁶ Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour

23) Risen with Jesus Christ – Colossians 3:¹If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

24) Sufficient in all things through His grace-2 Corinthians 9:⁸ And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

25) Translated into the kingdom of Jesus–Colossians 1: ¹³ Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Circle the three that matter most to you right now

Your identity for His Service

1. A) Entrusted with the gospel-1 Thessalonians 2:⁴ But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

1. B) The Light of the world -Matthew 5:¹⁴ Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

1. C) The salt of the earth -Matthew 5: ¹³ Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

1. D) Called to follow -1 Peter2:²¹ For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

1. E) Chosen and ordained -John 15:¹⁶ Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you

Circle the three that matter most to you right now

Questions for Reflection

1) What factors determine how you see yourself?

2) What about circumstances determine how you see yourself?

3) Does the way people treat you determine how you see yourself?

4) Do the things people say about you determine how you see yourself?

5) Are you believing something someone else said about you that doesn’t match what Jesus says about you?

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will         accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run being yoked to Emmanuel!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run to obtain an incorruptible crown!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when together you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

Five daily habits for success

Jesus loves you so very much and He wants you to run the race of life successfully. He knows there will be hills to climb, curves to maneuver, obstacles to overcome. As your Emmanuel, He wants to run the race of life with you. Jesus documented Bible instructions for your success.

 Pray– 1 Thessalonians 5:¹⁷Pray without ceasing.

Pray = converse with Jesus

You have 24/7 access to your Creator, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Imagine! Jesus is available to help you at all times!

What does that access mean to you?

How do you use that access?

Study-2 Timothy 2:¹⁵Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Study = application of the mind to acquire knowledge by reading, investigating and reflection

What is your Bible study schedule?

What are some of your favorite Bible passages?

Do you want to be approved by God? Why or why not?

Why would a workman ever be ashamed?

How can you rightly divide the word of truth? Look at the context, compare passages, ask Jesus.

Don’t forsake mercy and truth-Proverbs 3:³Let 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.

Mercy = not giving what is deserved for wrongdoing

Truth =the actual state of the matter

You and I live in a fallen creation. Everyone is born with a sinful, rebellious nature.

When people hurt you is it hard for you to show mercy? Why or why not?

Was there a time someone showed mercy to you?

How can you use the truth in your daily race of life?

While living on earth in a human body, Jesus increased in favor with God and man per Luke 2:⁵²And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

How do you see Jesus increasing in favor with God and man?

Give thanks in all things –Ephesians 5:²⁰Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Thanks =grateful feeling or expression of appreciation and acknowledgement

What has Jesus done for you today?

When is it the most difficult for you to give thanks?

When is it the easiest for you to give thanks?

Trust in the LORD– 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.

Trust = confidence in and reliance on the integrity, strength, ability and surety of someone with expectation and hope

LORD = Jehovah, Yaweh, the I AM

What does it mean to trust with all your heart?

How can you know if you are trusting the LORD or self?

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will        accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run being yoked to Emmanuel!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run to obtain your incorruptible crown!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when together you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

 

 

 

Running without Weariness

Life is a marathon race not a sprint. From the moment you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior until the moment you cross your finish line into His physical presence, life is a race uniquely laid out for you to run with Him.

How can you and I run and not be weary?

We live in a fallen creation. Sin and death have entered the world, which is no longer good. Satan and those fallen angels are actively working to steal your earthly inheritance (peace, joy, relationship and fellowship with your Creator, rest, victory over and freedom from sin, abundant living); ruin your testimony; and take others down with you.

In the 8^th century BC, the prophet Isaiah wrote these words of encouragement.

Isaiah 40: ²⁸Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

²⁹He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

³⁰Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

³¹But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Wait = hope, expectation,

LORD = the I AM, Jehovah, Yaweh

Renew = to revive, recover, re-establish and restore

Strength =mental and moral power and vigor

Eagles = large, soaring birds noted for their size, strength, vision and power of flight

Run = to perform and compete

Weary =mental and physical exhaustion coupled with dissatisfaction and impatience

Imagine! Some 2900 years ago God was already concerned for your well-being! He knew you and I would get weary. He knew what your life would experience. He provided these words to encourage you. He provided these words to remind you of His love for you.

Are you weary today?

What is the cause of your weariness?

Where are you in your daily devotions?

What has Jesus been saying to you?

Do you really know Jesus cares about you?

How do you see Jesus caring for you in your current circumstances?

Obviously, Jesus knew that your time living in this fallen creation with an active enemy would be hard. During an intimate supper on the night He was betrayed He gave those disciples these words and the Holy Spirit recorded them for your encouragement. John 16:³³These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Peace =freedom from commotion and violence

World =the public in general

Tribulation =grievous trouble, affliction, trial, suffering

Cheer =gladness, gaiety, animation

Overcome = prevail over and gain the victory

What tribulation are you experiencing?

How do you see Jesus gaining victory over that tribulation?

Notice the ‘be of good cheer’ instruction requires an action on your part. It’s a mindset and will require choice and focus. Are you looking at the tribulation or looking at Jesus, our Savior and Lord?

Paul provides these words of comfort.

1 Corinthians 15:⁵¹Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

⁵²In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

⁵³For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

⁵⁴So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

⁵⁵O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

⁵⁶The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

⁵⁷But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁵⁸Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord

Wow! The victory is yours! The victory is given by God through Jesus not earned.

What do these verses from the 8^th century BC to the 1^st century AD mean to you?

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed  and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will       accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run being yoked to Emmanuel!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run to obtain your incorruptible crown!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when together you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti