You remember the story from 10^th century B.C. David was anointed to be the next king of Israel by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13).  King Saul tried to murder David (1 Samuel 18:11).

Now David has escaped and is hiding in a cave at Engedi (1 Samuel 23:29-24:1-3).

The history

¹(Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave.) I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.

²I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.

³When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.

The problem

⁴I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

⁵I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.

⁶Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

Refuge = shelter and protection from danger

Portion = part of the whole allotted to one

Deliver = to set free

Persecutors = to pursue persistently with harassing, oppressive treatment

Have you ever felt alone with no one to care about you?

What does it mean to you for the Lord to be your portion in the land of the living?

The request

⁷Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.

Do you know what it is like to feel your soul is in prison? What other words would you use to describe that feeling?

Do you find it hard to praise God in some circumstances?

Why do you think David desires the righteous people to surround him?

Do you expect God to deal bountifully with you? Why or why not?

Do you know this song by Isaac Watts, 1719?

Our God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home.

Under the shadow of Thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone, And our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God, To endless years the same.

Thy Word commands our flesh to dust, “Return, ye sons of men:”
All nations rose from earth at first, And turn to earth again.

A thousand ages in Thy sight Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun.

The busy tribes of flesh and blood, With all their lives and cares,
Are carried downwards by the flood, And lost in following years.

Time, like an ever rolling stream, Bears all its sons away;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream Dies at the opening day.

Like flowery fields the nations stand Pleased with the morning light;
The flowers beneath the mower’s hand Lie withering ere ‘tis night.

Our God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while troubles last, And our eternal home.

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,

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

Our challenge = Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

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

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

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

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

Psalms 111 – Praise

¹ Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

²The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

Praise = the offering of grateful homage as an act of worship

Notice that praise is an act of will – Will you choose to praise the LORD?

What has the LORD done for you?

What reasons do you have to praise the LORD?

Do you look for God’s hand in your circumstances? What do you see?

Who the LORD is and what He does

³His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth forever.

⁴He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.

⁵He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.

⁶He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.

⁷The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.

⁸They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.

⁹He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant forever: holy and reverend is his name.

¹⁰The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth forever.

Gracious = giving us what we do not deserve

Compassion = a feeling of deep sympathy accompanied by a desire to alleviate the suffering

Which of the LORD’s works do you most enjoy? Flowers? Birds? How He orchestrates circumstances? The night sky? Clouds? Rainbows? Seasons?

What power do you see in His works?

What does the righteousness of the LORD enduring forever mean to you?

What does it matter to you that the LORD is mindful of His covenant?

Do you fear the LORD?

Verity = quality of being true, in accordance with fact and reality

Fear = reverential trust

Redemption = deliverance and rescue

Wisdom = knowledge of what is true coupled with just discernment

What do you know of the New Covenant He makes with everyone who receives Jesus as Lord and Savior? (Hebrews 8)

the New Covenant is better

the New Covenant is established on better promises

the New Covenant provides Jesus as Mediator

The Lord promises to put His laws into our minds

The Lord promises to write His laws in our hearts

The Lord promises to be our God and to have us for His people

The Lord promises each of us shall know Him

The Lord promises He will be merciful to our unrighteousness

The Lord promises to remember our sins and iniquities no more

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,

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

Our challenge = Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

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

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

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

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

Psalms 62 – Waiting

Waiting is never easy. Do you like to wait? God’s timing is most often not our timing. God is not limited to time. God always does what He says He will do but the timing of His action is His not ours. Where are you today? For what are you waiting? God cares! He loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love. God will come through for you.

Theology

¹ (To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.) Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.

²He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.

Wait =remain in a state of readiness until something expected happens

Salvation = saved from the penalty of your sin; being saved from the pattern and habit of sin; one day removed from the very presence of sin

Defense =resistance and protection against attack

How can you remain in a state of readiness as you wait for God’s answer?

Do you see God as your defense? Why or why not?

Life

³How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.

⁴They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.

You and I live in a fallen creation. All around us are those with sin natures, living in rebellion to God. How can you show your trust in God as you live your life?

Application

⁵My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

⁶He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved.

⁷In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Expectation = a mental attitude of anticipation

Refuge = a place of shelter, protection and safety

Strength = physical, mental, moral power

Are you standing in the Rock?

Sharing

⁸Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Trust = confidence and reliance on the integrity, strength, ability and surety of a person

When is it easiest for you to trust God?

When is it most difficult for you to trust God?

How do you pour out your heart to God?

Teaching

⁹Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.

¹⁰Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.

Is your heart seeking riches as the solution?

Portrait of God

¹¹God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.

¹²Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

What does this description of God mean to you?

What do the words of this psalm mean to you?

How can you apply this psalm to your current circumstances?

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,

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

Our challenge = Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

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

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

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

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

Psalms 51 – Confession

You and I are still human. You and I still make mistakes. You and I still make wrong choices with bad consequences. Even after you and I receive Jesus as Lord and Savior and He re-creates us with a new nature, you and I still sin. So what should you and I do when we realize we have sinned? The Bible provides for us a 10^th century B.C. record of David’s example. God knew you and I would do wrong. God prepared His solution. What wondrous love!

You remember the story. David was a man after God’s own heart. But – David lusted for Bathsheba and committed adultery with her. When she was with child, he arranged for her husband to be killed in battle.

Psalms 51 – Confession

Acknowledge Who God is and ask God for forgiveness and cleansing

¹(To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.) Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

Mercy = not giving us what we deserve

²Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Acknowledge that sin is against God

³For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

⁴Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

Acknowledge the difference between humans and a holy God

⁵Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

⁶Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

We live in a fallen creation. Sin and death have entered the world. Everyone is born with a sinful rebellious nature, which struggles for control over our new nature in Jesus.

Ask God for divine help

⁷Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

⁸Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

⁹Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

¹⁰Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

¹¹Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

¹²Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

¹³Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

¹⁴Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

¹⁵O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

¹⁶For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

¹⁷The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

¹⁸Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

¹⁹Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

Do you know this song? Jesus Paid It All – Elvina Hall, 1865

1. I hear the Savior say, “Thy strength indeed is small;
   Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all.”

Refrain:
Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

2. For nothing good have I Whereby Thy grace to claim;
   I’ll wash my garments white In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.

3. And now complete in Him, My robe, His righteousness,
   Close sheltered ’neath His side, I am divinely blest.

4. Lord, now indeed I find Thy pow’r, and Thine alone,
   Can change the *leper’s spots [*leopard’s] And melt the heart of stone.

5. When from my dying bed My ransomed soul shall rise,
   “Jesus died my soul to save,” Shall rend the vaulted skies.

6. And when before the throne I stand in Him complete,
   I’ll lay my trophies down, All down at Jesus’ feet.

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,

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

Our challenge = Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

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

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

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

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

Psalms 47 – God’s Sovereignty

¹ (To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.) O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

Triumph = joy over success

What success in your life brings joy to you today?

What words will you sing and shout triumphantly to God?

God’s majesty

²For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.

LORD = Jehovah, the I AM

Terrible = formidably great

What does God being the I AM mean to you?

What about God’s greatness matters to you?

God’s great deeds

³He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.

⁴He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.

⁵God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.

⁶Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.

Subdue = bring into subjection

Choose = to select by preference

The upright are those who receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They stand in His righteousness alone, not in their own. What is the inheritance of the upright? What do you remember from our study of our earthly inheritance and our heavenly inheritance?  The future components of your inheritance are incorruptible (cannot be perverted, dissolved or decayed); undefiled (cannot be made dirty); fade not away (cannot become dim, lose freshness, strength or health); reserved for you in Heaven (set apart particularly for you and kept by special arrangement for you).

The present components of your inheritance include: rest; relationship with your Creator, Savior and Lord; residence – your body as the tabernacle of the triune God; victory and freedom from sin; abundant living with the fruit of the Spirit. These present components are what your enemy wants to steal. What do these verses tell you to do to avoid the enemy stealing you present inheritance components?

What about your inheritance matters most to you today?

How do you see God subduing your enemies?

God’s dominion

⁷For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

⁸God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.

⁹The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.

Understanding = knowledge of or familiarity of a particular thing

Reign = possess sovereign power and authority

Holiness =spiritually pure, inspiring fear and awe

Shield = devise for defense and protection

What is your understanding of God?

Why does it matter to you that God reigns?

What about God’s holiness matters most to you?

Why does it matter to you that that the shields of the earth belong 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,

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

Our challenge = Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

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

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

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

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

Psalms 37 – Trust

¹ (A Psalm of David.) Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

²For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

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

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

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

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

⁷Rest 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.

How easy and tempting it is to fret because of the evildoers. We see what they do and sometimes we see them prosper temporarily. What insight into God’s perspective and viewpoint do these verses give you?

What are you fretting about today? Have you talked with Jesus about it?

Fret = to feel worry, annoyance, discontent

Trust =to believe in and rely upon

Delight =to take pleasure, satisfaction and enjoyment

Commit =to entrust for safekeeping

Rest =to depend and rely on

God marks a difference between the righteous and the wicked

⁸Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

⁹For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

¹⁰For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

¹¹But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

¹²The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

¹³The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

¹⁴The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.

¹⁵Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

¹⁶A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

¹⁷For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.

¹⁸The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be forever.

¹⁹They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

²⁰But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.

²¹The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

²²For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

What insight into God’s perspective and viewpoint do these verses give you?

Does it matter to you that God marks a difference? Why?

The upright are those who receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They stand in His righteousness alone, not in their own. What is the inheritance of the upright? What do you remember from our study of our earthly inheritance and our heavenly inheritance?  The future components of our inheritance are incorruptible (cannot be perverted, dissolved or decayed); undefiled (cannot be made dirty); fade not away (cannot become dim, lose freshness, strength or health); reserved for you in Heaven (set apart particularly for you and kept by special arrangement for you).

The present components of our inheritance include: rest, relationship with the Father, residence – your body as the tabernacle of the triune God; victory and freedom from sin; abundant living with the fruit of the Spirit. These present components are what your enemy wants to steal. What do these verses tell you to do to avoid the enemy stealing you present inheritance components?

God provides and does not forsake

²³The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

²⁴Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

²⁵I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

²⁶He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

²⁷Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

²⁸For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

²⁹The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever.

³⁰The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

³¹The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

³²The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

³³The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

³⁴Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

³⁵I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.

³⁶Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

³⁷Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

³⁸But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.

³⁹But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

⁴⁰And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

What do these verses of God’s provision mean to you?

What do these verses of God not forsaking mean to you?

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,

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

Our challenge = Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

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

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

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

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

Psalms 33- Joy

Praise and rejoice in the LORD

¹ Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

²Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.

³Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise.

Comely = proper, seemly, becoming

Upright = adhering to righteousness and honesty

Sing =to vocalize melodically

Why is proper for the upright to rejoice in the LORD?

Did you sing to God today?

What words would you sing to Him in your current circumstances?

What do you have to praise God for?

Reasons to praise God

⁴For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.

⁵He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

⁶By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

⁷He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.

⁸Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.

⁹For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

¹⁰The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

¹¹The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

What goodness of the LORD do you see in the earth?

What counsel do you need from God today?

God watches for you

¹²Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

¹³The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.

¹⁴From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.

¹⁵He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.

Looks = to turn one’s eyes toward something

Beholds = to observe

Fashions =to make or adjust

Heart = the center of the total personality, especially with reference to intuition, feeling or

emotion

Considers = to think carefully about in order to make a decision

What does it mean to you that God is watching over you?

What does it mean to you that God watches what you do?

You are an unique creation of God. You have a unique personality. Your emotions are your own, no one can tell you how you should feel. God does not make cookie-cutter Christians. He has uniquely, designed and created you. Your meaningful experiences shaped your inner self and every one of them is known to God. Nothing happens to you, except He allows it for His own purpose. He is able to wok all things together for your good.

Deliverance is from God alone

¹⁶There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

¹⁷An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.

¹⁸Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

¹⁹To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

²⁰Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.

²¹For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.

²²Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.

Fear = reverential trust

Mercy = God not giving us what we deserve

Death = complete separation of the soul from God

What are your circumstances today?

Are you trusting God or things?

Do you see God as your help and your shield? Why? Why not?

Is your hope in God? Why? Why not?

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,

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

Our challenge = Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

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

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

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

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

You and I live in a fallen creation. Sin and death have entered the world. Everyone is born with a sinful, rebellious nature. No one can see God face-to-face and live. Moses desired to see God’s face. God provides a cleft in the rock for Moses and for you and me to see Him, but not face-to-face just now.

Here is the conversation between God and Moses recorded between 1450-1410 B.C.

Exodus 33:¹⁴ And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

¹⁵And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.

¹⁶For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.

¹⁷And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.

¹⁸And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.

¹⁹And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

²⁰And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

²¹And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:

²²And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:

²³And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.

Definitions

Grace = God giving us what we do not deserve

LORD = Jehovah, the I AM

Cleft =a space or opening made by a split

Stand = to be in an upright position on the feet

Rock = a firm foundation or support

Glory = great praise, honor, distinction

Cover = to place something over or upon for protection, concealment and warmth

Behold, there is a place of safety, where we can see God! That place is Jesus!

Do you know this song

Oh, safe to the Rock that is higher than I- William Cushing, 1823-1902

Oh, safe to the Rock that is higher than I, My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly,
So sinful, so weary, Thine, Thine would I be, Thou blest Rock of Ages, I’m hiding in Thee.

Chorus

Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest Rock of Ages, I’m hiding in Thee.

In the calm of the noontide, in sorrow’s lone hour, In times when temptation casts o’er me its power;
In the tempests of life, on its wide, heaving sea, Thou blest Rock of Ages, I’m hiding in Thee.

How oft in the conflict, when pressed by the foe,I have fled to my Refuge and breathed out my woe,
How often, when trials like sea-billows roll, Have I hidden in Thee, O Thou Rock of my soul.

When you and I receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, He blots out our sins and covers us with His righteousness. 2 Corinthians 5:¹⁷ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

¹⁸And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

¹⁹To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

²⁰Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

²¹For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

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,

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

Our challenge = Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

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

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

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

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

 

Coach Patti

 

Is the waiting room ever fun? So why do we wait? We wait for the doctor because he/she has knowledge and the ability to treat our ailments and restore our health. We wait for the attorney because he/she has knowledge and the ability to solve our legal problems. We wait for the counselor because he/she has knowledge and can provide direction, educated advice and understanding. We wait because the wait is worth it. We wait expecting that the benefits will come.

David’s advice written around 10^th century B.C.

Psalms 27:¹³I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

¹⁴Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Goodness =moral excellence, kindness, generosity

Wait = to remain in a state of repose and readiness until something expected happens

Courage = the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to fave difficulty, danger, pain, etc. without fear

Strength =physical, mental, moral power

What strength do you need from the I AM today? Physical power? Moral power?                Mental power?

Courage for the Israelites written in 14^th century B.C.

Joshua 1:⁶ Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

⁷Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

⁸This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

⁹Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

What goodness of the Lord did the Israelites see in the Promised Land?

When did the Israelites wait?

When did the Israelites show courage?

How and when did the Lord strengthen the hearts of the Israelites?

What applications from the Israelites in the Promised Land can you take for your situation?

Courage for Paul written in A.D. 60

Acts 28:¹² And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.

¹³And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:

¹⁴Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.

¹⁵And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

What goodness of the Lord did Paul see in the land of the living?

When did Paul wait?

When did Paul show courage?

How and when did the Lord strengthen the heart of Paul?

What applications from Paul can you take for your situation?

Encouragement from Isaiah chapter 40, written in the 8^th century B.C.

²⁸ Hast 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.

What does Isaiah’s encouragement mean to you?

So where are you today? For what are you waiting? Are you waiting for God to supply a need? Are you waiting for God to fulfill your dream? Are you waiting for God to bring justice and avenge your enemy? Are you waiting for God to give direction? Are you waiting for God to answer to your question? Are you waiting for an answer to your prayer?

Our God does not change. There is no shadow of turning with Him. The same God Who provided for the Israelites, for Isaiah and for Paul provides for you and me today. That is why we should wait on Him!

Do you know this song?

In His time – Hal David & Burt Bacharach

In His time, In His Time. He makes all things beautiful in His time.
Lord please show me every day As You’re teaching me Your way
that You do just what You say in Your time.

In Your time, In Your Time. You make all things beautiful in Your time.
Lord my life to You I bring. May each song I have to sing
be to you a lovely thing in Your time.

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,

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

Our challenge = Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

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

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

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

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

Psalms 27 – Triumphant Faith

Triumphant = rejoicing over success; exulting over victory

Faith = confidence or trust; belief not based on proof

Hebrews 11:¹Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

What is needed in order for faith to be triumphant? Over what will your faith triumph?

For what are you hoping?

Can you find a Bible verse on which to base that hope?

God is the I AM

¹ (A Psalm of David.) The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

²When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Notice again that David refers to God as Jehovah – the I AM.

Light =something that illuminates and makes things visible.

What light do you need today? Light as you sort through options and choices? Light as you sift through puzzling relationships or circumstances? Light as you search for the truth?

Salvation = you are saved from the penalty of your sin; you are being saved from the pattern and  habit of sin; someday you will be saved from the very presence of sin and lose your sin nature.

Strength =physical, mental, moral power

What strength do you need from the I AM today? Physical power? Moral power?  Mental power?

Remember when the multitude with swords and clubs came to the Garden of Gethsemane to take Jesus and He told them that He was Jesus of Nazareth, they went backward and fell to the ground? (John 18:6). Why do you think only John recorded that fact?

What does that mean to you today?

Praise and Trust in the I AM

³Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

⁴One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

⁵For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

⁶And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

Petition the I AM

⁷Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

⁸When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

⁹Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

¹⁰When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

¹¹Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

¹²Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

Wait on the I AM

¹³I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

¹⁴Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

How can you apply David’s words to your journey today?

Which verse in David’s psalm matters most to you today?

Do you know this song?

My faith looks up to Thee- Ray Palmer, 1830

My faith looks up to Thee Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, take all my guilt away, O let me from this day be wholly Thine!

May Thy rich grace impart Strength to my fainting heart, my zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me, O may my love to Thee, Pure warm, and changeless be, a living fire!

While life’s dark maze I tread, And griefs around me spread, be Thou my Guide;
Bid darkness turn to day, wipe sorrow’s tears away, Nor let me ever stray from Thee aside.

When ends life’s transient dream, When death’s cold sullen stream over me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love, fear and distrust remove; O bear me safe above, a ransomed soul!

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,

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

Our challenge = Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

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

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

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

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti