You and I live in a fallen creation. Sin and death have entered the world. Everyone is born with a rebellious sin nature. No one can see God face-to-face as Adam and Eve did and live. Sometimes the storms of life seem overwhelming. We ask ‘where is Jesus’?  Does He really know and care about our hurts? In this study we will examine what the Bible says Jesus is doing, even when life hurts.

Next we will examine Jesus Christ living the stormy experience with you

9)  Living the stormy experience with you

He is Immanuel according to Matthew 1:

¹⁸ Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

¹⁹ Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

²⁰ But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

²¹ And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

²² Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

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.

²⁴ Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

²⁵ And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

According to Isaiah 7:

¹ And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it.

² And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind.

³ Then said the LORD unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller’s field;

⁴ And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.

⁵ Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah, have taken evil counsel against thee, saying,

⁶ Let us go up against Judah, and vex it, and let us make a breach therein for us, and set a king in the midst of it, even the son of Tabeal:

⁷ Thus saith the Lord GOD, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass.

⁸ For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people.

⁹ And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah’s son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.

¹⁰ Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying,

¹¹ Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.

¹² But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.

¹³ And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?

¹⁴ Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Immanuel in Hebrew is a characteristic not a title. God among us, reconciling us to Him, at peace with us, taking us into covenant and communion with Himself

He is providing grace and strength according to 2 Corinthians 12:

⁷ And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

⁸ For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

⁹ And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Grace is giving you and me what we do not deserve

The strength of Jesus Christ is always perfect. The text does not indicate moving from a state of imperfection to a state of perfection. Rather the text refers to the strength of Jesus Christ completing its goal in our weakness.

He is sharing the yoke according to Matthew 11:

²⁸ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Questions for Reflection:

1) When you consider Immanuel helping Ahaz and Joseph, what life lessons do you see?

2) What are some personal benefits to you of Immanuel?

3) What difference does yoked-with-Jesus Christ mean to you?

4) What is your understanding of His strength made perfect in your weakness?

5) How can the power of God rest upon you so you can glory in your infirmities?

6) How is an emotional wound like an infirmity?

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.

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

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

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

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

Session #6 -Enabling you to stand

You and I live in a fallen creation. Everyone is born with a rebellious sin nature. Sin and death have entered the world. Nothing is perfect. Nothing is ideal. Sometimes in the storms of life, our circumstances seem overwhelming. We ask ‘where is Jesus?’  Does He really know and care about our hurts? In this study we will examine what the Bible says Jesus is doing, even when life hurts.

We continue Section #1 with what Jesus is doing for you when life hurts.

In this session we will examine Jesus Christ’s willingness and ability to enable you to stand. Sometimes we face accusers. They can be from the past (what has already happened) or the present (current circumstances) or the future (what might happen).  In this fallen creation even believers will have differing opinions about things. Some believers think church music should be only organ and piano while other believers include timbrel instruments. Some believers think dress codes are appropriate while other believers do not. When you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you become His. You come into a relationship with Him as child and heir. You belong to Him.  You are accountable to Him. He loves you unconditionally. As your good and great Shepherd, Jesus Christ provides you provision, protection, direction and correction for your earthly journey.

No matter what is hurting you, Jesus Christ enables you to stand –Romans 14:⁴ Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

Proverbs 24:¹⁵ Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:

¹⁶ For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

Do not fear those who accuse you -Matthew 10:²⁴ The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

²⁵ It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?

²⁶ Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

²⁷ What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

²⁸ And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Destroy = to render useless; to defeat completely

Are you afraid of unbelief? Ask Jesus to help your unbelief.

Remember your value to Jesus Christ!

²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

³⁰ But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

³¹ Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows

Jesus Christ knows not only how many hair are on your head but He has assigned a number to each of them.

What do these verses mean to you?

How can you use these verses against what is attempting to topple you?

Remember His promises

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.

1 Corinthians 15:⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

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

Conversation – manner of living

What difference does the promise of Jesus Christ make in your circumstances?

Notice that He gives the victory. What does that mean to you?

You stand in grace by faith– Romans 5:¹ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

² By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

³ And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

⁴ And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

⁵ And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

⁶ For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

⁷ For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

⁸ But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

⁹ Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

¹⁰ For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

¹¹ And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

What does standing in grace mean to you?

Paul’s admonition – Philippians 3:²⁰ For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

²¹ Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

¹ Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

Conversation – manner of living

Questions for reflection

1)  What does it mean to you that Jesus Christ is with you in your circumstances?

2) What about your circumstances hurts you most? – tell it to Jesus!

3) How do you see victory coming from Jesus Christ in your circumstances?

4) What provision of the good and great Shepherd do you see in your circumstances?

5) What protection from the good and great Shepherd do you see in your circumstances?

6) What direction of the good and great Shepherd do you see in your circumstances?

7) Is there some correction of the good and great Shepherd for you in your circumstances?

8) How many hairs are on your head?

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

Session #3-Providing you refuge

You and I live in a fallen creation. Sin and death have entered the world. Everyone is born with a rebellious sin nature. No one can see God face-to-face as Adam and Eve did and live. Sometimes the storms of life seem overwhelming. We ask ‘where is Jesus’?  Does He really know and care about our hurts? In this study we will examine what the Bible says Jesus is doing, even when life hurts.

We continue Section #1 with what Jesus is doing for you when life hurts.

3) In this study we will examine the refuge Jesus Christ provides for you. The refuge is a place of relief or escape. How often do you just want to get away from it all? To not have to deal with anything or explain anything or feel anything!

I remember a missionary telling me about the time her husband had an inoperable illness. She wanted to be brave for him. She did not want him to see her crying. So her time in the shower was her time to cry to Jesus. It was her time of refuge with Jesus Christ.

Jesus knows all about your circumstances.

You do not have to bring Jesus Christ up to speed on any of the issues. He knows all about everything that touches you and He knows all about everything that concerns you. What a relief to be with Someone Who knows everything and loves you unconditionally. You can just be yourself.

Hebrews 4:¹³And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

What does His knowledge of you and your circumstances mean to you?

Jesus Christ completely understands how you feel

Hebrews 4:¹⁴ 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.

Psalm 147:⁵Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

What difference does it make to you that Jesus Christ knows all about your circumstances?

Jesus Christ invites you to come to Him-Song of Solomon 4:

⁸ Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions’ dens, from the mountains of the leopards.

Notice the invitation requires a response to come with Him.

When you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you gain fellowship with Him. The invitation is to focus on your relationship with Him and actively fellowship with Him.  You have a choice. Jesus Christ is always available for refuge.

Amana is the mountain from which the Abana River flows. You remember Naaman referred to that river when Elisha told him to go and wash in the Jordan River.

2 Kings 5:¹¹ But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

¹² Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.

The ever flowing streams from the mountain cause one to think of consistency like a covenant.

Remember the New Covenant? – Hebrews 8:⁶ But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

⁷ For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

⁸ For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:

⁹ Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.

¹⁰ For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

¹¹ And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

¹² For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

¹³ In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

Shenir was the Amorite name for Mount Herman, meaning “pointed”. This reminds us to focus.

Mt. Hermon is the highest mountain reminding us of the highest goal –pleasing Jesus Christ, our Beloved Bridegroom.

Notice the invitation is to come to Jesus away from two predators and what they indicate about your enemy

First let’s look at the lion.

The lion’s roar can be heard for 5 miles. This reminds you the enemy can scare you with       hurtful things from the past and frighten you about your future.

The average male lion weighs 500 lb. This reminds you the enemy is bigger than you.

The lion can run 50 miles per hour. This reminds you he can attack fast, without warning.

The lion is social. This reminds you the enemy may use others in his attack and may frighten  you about what others think of you.

The lion symbolizes your enemy’s ability to remind you of the past and to frighten you for the   future and about what others think of you.

Second, let’s look at the leopard

The leopard is built for hunting. This reminds you the enemy looks for circumstantial       opportunities.

The leopard can run up to 35 miles per hour. This reminds you he can attack fast, without    warning.

The leopard is an excellent climber, swimmer and can leap and jump long distances. This     reminds you natural obstacles are no problem for him.

The leopard often leaves prey up in the tree for days and returns only when hungry! This      reminds you he can hurt you over and over. Please know I find no reference in the Bible        that your enemy can read your thoughts. But certainly, he has all of history to observe        human behavior and your personal history to learn about you.

The leopard is the most accomplished stalker of the big cats.  This reminds you he has the   ability to attack at his opportune time.

The leopard is a good agile climber and can descend from a tree headfirst. This reminds you of his agility and his attack with teeth to bite.

The leopard symbolizes your enemy’s ability to spring at you speedily, to stalk you for          vulnerability times, and to torment and wound you over and over.

So whatever is troubling you today-things of the past, things of the present or things of the future, Jesus Christ cares and invites you to come to His refuge for refreshment.  How will you respond?

Jesus, I Come – William T. Sleeper 1887

1. Out of my bondage, sorrow and night, Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
   Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light, Jesus, I come to Thee;
   Out of my sickness, into Thy health, Out of my want and into Thy wealth,
   Out of my sin and into Thyself, Jesus, I come to Thee.

1. Out of my shameful failure and loss, Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
   Into the glorious gain of Thy cross, Jesus, I come to Thee;
   Out of earth’s sorrows, into Thy balm, Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,
   Out of distress to jubilant psalm, Jesus, I come to Thee.

1. Out of unrest and arrogant pride, Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
   Into Thy blessed will to abide, Jesus, I come to Thee;
   Out of myself to dwell in Thy love, Out of despair, into raptures above,
   Upward for aye on wings like a dove, Jesus, I come to Thee.

1. Out of the fear and dread of the tomb, Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
   Into the joy and light of Thy home, Jesus, I come to Thee;
   Out of the depths of ruin untold, Into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,
   Ever Thy glorious face to behold, Jesus, I come to Thee.

Questions for Reflection

1) What is keeping you from nestling with Jesus for a little while?

2) What does Jesus Christ know that you are unable to express to your family and friends?

3) Does the fact that Jesus Christ wants that refuge time with you matter to you?

4) When in your daily schedule can you refuge with Jesus Christ?

5) Which of your circumstances is the most distressing? Jesus Christ cares about them all.

Do you want to list and prioritize them and take refuge in Him one issue at a time?

Do you want to take refuge in Him for all issues at once?

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

Session #4 – Keeping you safe in His hand

You and I live in a fallen creation. Sin and death have entered the world. Everyone is born with a rebellious sin nature. No one can see God as Adam and Eve did and live. Sometimes the storms of life seem overwhelming. We ask ‘where is Jesus’?  Does He really know and care about our hurts? In this study we will examine what the Bible says Jesus is doing, even when life hurts you.

We continue Section #1 with what Jesus is doing for you when life hurts.

4) In this session, let’s examine how Jesus holds you safe in the palm of His hand.

Jesus Christ teaches that He holds you in His hand-John 10:²⁷ My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

²⁸ And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

²⁹ My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

³⁰ I and my Father are one.

What does it mean to you to be held in His hand?

Jesus Christ will never throw you away.

What is eternal life?

Jesus answers this question in His prayer to the Father the night He was betrayed and John records the answer in chapter 17

¹ These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

² As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

³ And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

⁴ I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

⁵ And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

⁶ I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.

⁷ Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.

⁸ For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

What does it mean to perish?

To be destroyed, damaged beyond repair, defeated, to be lost

What does it matter to you that you will never perish?

When you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, He gives you the ability to know the only true God; to know that God became flesh and died to pay the penalty for your sins; to have a personal relationship with Him; to understand His Words. This intimate relationship with Jesus enables you to get to know Him better; to understand His plan for the world better; to grow in your understanding of the good plan He has for your life.

What does it matter to you to know the only true God and Jesus Christ His Son?

Your Savior is intimate. Your Savior concerns Himself with the details of your daily life. You are secure in His hand. Your future is secure in His hand. What a difference this knowledge should make even when times are hard! Does it make a difference to you?

Peter’s advice about growing in your knowledge of Jesus is recorded in 2 Peter 3:¹⁷ Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

¹⁸ But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.

Paul’s advice is recorded in Philippians 3:

⁷ But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

⁸ Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

⁹ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

¹⁰ That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Jesus holds you in His hand-close to Him. No one can remove you from His care. The circumstances hurting you today are temporary. Your life with Jesus is forever. Victory!

How much power is in the hand of Jesus Christ?-John 13:³ Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

⁴ He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

⁵ After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

⁶ Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

⁷ Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

⁸ Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

⁹ Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

¹⁰ Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

Jesus Christ gave Himself into the Father’s hands- Luke 23:³⁹ And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

⁴⁰ But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

⁴¹ And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

⁴² And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

⁴³ And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

⁴⁴ And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

⁴⁵ And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

⁴⁶ And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

Questions for Reflection

1) How close to Jesus Christ must you be to be held in His hand?

2) Why are you hurting today?

3) What difference does it make to you that these hurtful circumstances will not destroy you or damage you beyond repair?

4) As you reflect on Jesus holding you in His hand, what do you think?

5) How can you use what you know about Jesus to ease the hurt?

6) What does the love for you Jesus and the Father showed at the cross mean to you?

Soft Were Your Hands

Soft were your hands Dear Jesus, So gentle the touch of you,

Like a rose that opens at breaking dawn, still gemmed in crystal dew.

Hands that bore the rugged cross and made a faith divine,

Soft were your hands Dear Jesus!

Ah, would they had touched mine! Ah, would they have touched mine!

Now I Belong to Jesus-Norman Clayton

Jesus, my Lord will love me forever, From Him no pow’r of evil can sever,
He gave His life to ransom my soul; Now I belong to Him;

Chorus
Now I belong to Jesus, Jesus belongs to me,
Not for the years of time alone, But for eternity.
Chorus.

Once I was lost in sin’s degradation, Jesus came down to bring me salvation,
Lifted me up from sorrow and shame, Now I belong to Him;
Chorus.

Joy floods my soul for Jesus has saved me, Freed me from sin that long had enslaved me
His precious blood, He came to redeem, Now I belong to Him;
Chorus

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 rebellious sin nature. No one can see God face-to-face as Adam and Eve did and live. Sometimes the storms of life seem overwhelming. We ask ‘where is Jesus’?  Does He really know and care about our hurts? In this study we will examine what the Bible says Jesus is doing, even when life hurts.

2) In this study we will examine the refuge Jesus Christ provides for you. The refuge is a place of relief or escape. How often do you just want to get away from it all? To not have to deal with anything or explain anything or feel anything!

I remember a missionary telling me about the time her husband had an inoperable illness. She wanted to be brave for him. She did not want him to see her crying. So her time in the shower was her time to cry to Jesus. It was her time of refuge with Jesus Christ.

Jesus knows all about your circumstances.

You do not have to bring Jesus Christ up to speed on any of the issues. He knows all about everything that touches you and He knows all about everything that concerns you. What a relief to be with Someone Who knows everything and loves you unconditionally. You can just be yourself.

Hebrews 4:

¹³And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Jesus completely understands how you feel

Hebrews 4:

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.

Psalm 147:

⁵Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

Jesus invites you to come to Him-Song of Solomon 4:

⁸ Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions’ dens, from the mountains of the leopards.

Notice the invitation requires a response to come with Him.

When you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you gain fellowship with Him. The invitation is to focus on your relationship with Him and actively fellowship with Him.  You have a choice. Jesus Christ is always available for refuge.

Amana is the mountain from which the Abana River flows. You remember Naaman referred to that river when Elisha told him to go and wash in the Jordan River.

2 Kings 5:

¹¹ But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

¹² Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.

The ever flowing streams from the mountain cause one to think of consistency like a covenant.

Remember the New Covenant?. Hebrews 8:

⁶ But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

⁷ For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

⁸ For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:

⁹ Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.

¹⁰ For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

¹¹ And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

¹² For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

¹³ In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

Shenir was the Amorite name for Mount Herman, meaning “pointed”. This reminds us to focus.

Mt. Hermon is the highest mountain reminding us of the highest goal –pleasing Jesus Christ, our Beloved Bridegroom.

Notice the invitation is to come to Jesus away from two predators and what they indicate about your enemy

First let’s look at the lion.

The lion’s roar can be heard for 5 miles. This reminds you the enemy can scare you with

hurtful things from the past and frighten you about your future.

The average male lion weighs 500 lb. This reminds you the enemy is bigger than you.

The lion can run 50 miles per hour. This reminds you he can attack fast, without warning.

The lion is social. This reminds you the enemy may use others in his attack and may frighten

you about what others think of you.

The lion symbolizes your enemy’s ability to remind you of the past and to frighten you for the

future and about what others think of you.

Second, let’s look at the leopard

The leopard is built for hunting. This reminds you the enemy looks for circumstantial

opportunities.

The leopard can run up to 35 miles per hour. This reminds you he can attack fast, without

warning.

The leopard is an excellent climber, swimmer and can leap and jump long distances. This

reminds you natural obstacles are no problem for him.

The leopard often leaves prey up in the tree for days and returns only when hungry! This

reminds you he can hurt you over and over. Please know I find no reference in the Bible

that your enemy can read your thoughts. But certainly, he has all of history to observe

human behavior and your personal history to learn about you.

The leopard is the most accomplished stalker of the big cats.  This reminds you he has the

ability to attack at his opportune time.

The leopard is a good agile climber and can descend from a tree headfirst. This reminds you of

his agility and his attack with teeth to bite.

The leopard symbolizes your enemy’s ability to spring at you speedily, to stalk you for

vulnerability times, and to torment and wound you over and over.

So whatever is troubling you today-things of the past, things of the present or things of the future, Jesus Christ cares and invites you to come to His refuge for refreshment.  How will you respond?

Jesus, I Come – William T. Sleeper 1887

1. Out of my bondage, sorrow and night, Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;

Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light, Jesus, I come to Thee;

1. Out of my sickness, into Thy health, Out of my want and into Thy wealth,
   Out of my sin and into Thyself, Jesus, I come to Thee.

1. Out of my shameful failure and loss, Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
   Into the glorious gain of Thy cross, Jesus, I come to Thee;
   Out of earth’s sorrows, into Thy balm, Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,
   Out of distress to jubilant psalm, Jesus, I come to Thee.

1. Out of unrest and arrogant pride, Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
   Into Thy blessed will to abide, Jesus, I come to Thee;
   Out of myself to dwell in Thy love, Out of despair, into raptures above,
   Upward for aye on wings like a dove, Jesus, I come to Thee.

1. Out of the fear and dread of the tomb, Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
   Into the joy and light of Thy home, Jesus, I come to Thee;
   Out of the depths of ruin untold, Into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,
   Ever Thy glorious face to behold, Jesus, I come to Thee.

Questions for Reflection

1) What is keeping you from nestling with Jesus for a little while?

2) What does Jesus Christ know that you are unable to express to your family and friends?

3) Does the fact that Jesus Christ wants that refuge time with you matter to you?

4) When in your daily schedule can you refuge with Jesus Christ?

5) Which of your circumstances is the most distressing? Jesus Christ cares about them all. Do you want to list and prioritize them and take refuge in Him one issue at a time?

Do you want to take refuge in Him for all issues at once?

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.

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

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when 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 rebellious sin nature. No one can see God face-to-face, as Adam and Eve did, and live. Sometimes the storms of life seem overwhelming. We ask ‘where is Jesus’?  Does He really know and care about our hurts? In this study we will examine what the Bible says Jesus is doing, even when life hurts you.

We begin Section #1 with what Jesus is doing for you when life hurts.

Session #1: Serving as the Captain of your Salvation

What is a captain?

Captain = one in authority over others, leader

What are some leadership qualities you would expect in your Captain?

Points in salvation

You and I are saved from the penalty of sin by the death and resurrection of our Captain Jesus Christ. Someday you and I will be saved from the very presence of sin by the death and resurrection of our Captain Jesus Christ. Between these two points in salvation, you and I are being saved from the pattern and habit of sin by our Captain Jesus Christ.

In the process of salvation from the pattern and habit of sin, Jesus Christ stands as your Captain.

Hebrews 2:⁶ 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.

Salvation is offered to everyone but always received by choice

Jesus Christ is your personal Captain of Salvation that means relationship; intimate knowledge of you, your circumstances, your strengths, your limitations, your talents, your spiritual gifts, your frame of reference, your history, your self-image and self-awareness, your  understanding of and ability to control your emotions, your dreams and aspirations, your   knowledge of scripture

Your Captain of Salvation

• Your Captain has already crossed His finish line and received the glory and honor of victory. He is experienced in living on the earth and He is successful

• Your Captain is ordained; i.e. predestined by God

• Your Captain is fully equipped because of His suffering: He understands, He won the victory

• Your Captain will bring you to glory; i.e. home and victory-  Matthew 16:¹⁶ And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

¹⁷ And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

¹⁸ And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

• Your Captain makes all arrangements for your march: provisions, strategy, route

He will not be surprised nor out-maneuvered

What does your Captain have to know about you to make provisions for your life?

• Your Captain gives commands

Matthew 11:²⁸ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light

Matthew 28:¹⁸ And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen

Mark 4:³⁹ And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

⁴⁰ And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

• Your Captain gives encouragement -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.

⁶ So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Your tasks

• Wait on your Captain- Isaiah 64:⁴For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

• Rely on your Captain-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.

• Cast yourself your Captain’s care-1 Peter 5:⁶ Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

⁷Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

⁹ Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

• Focus on your Captain-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.

Questions for reflection

• What type of circumstances pressure you to act rather than wait and rely on your Captain?
• What do you understand the joy of Jesus to be?
• How well do you know yourself?

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

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

 

Why would God leave His heavenly abode where everything is perfection to take on a physical body and come to earth, a fallen creation where all mankind with a rebellious sin nature reside?

Why would He choose a time in history without mass communications, mass transit, electricity or technology?

Jesus never took a hot shower.

Jesus never tasted an ice cream cone.

Jesus never flew in an airplane, rode a train, drove a car.

Jesus never enjoyed quick leftovers warmed in the microwave.

Jesus walked everywhere.

Jesus was tired and weary.

Jesus wept.

Jesus was thirsty.

Jesus was hungry.

Why?

What information does the Bible record provide?

Jesus came to Call sinners to repentance

Matthew 9:

¹² But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

¹³ But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Mark 2:

¹⁷ When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luke 5:32

³¹ And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

³² I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

• Jesus came to Redeem them that were under the law

Galatians 4:

⁴ But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

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

3) Jesus came to Save

John 3:

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

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

Luke 9:

⁵⁶ For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

1 Timothy 1:

¹⁵This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

4) Jesus came to Seek and to Save

Luke 19:

¹⁰ For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Do you remember a time when you heard and responded?

5) Jesus came to Fulfill the Law and the Prophets

Matthew 5:

• Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

6) Jesus came to Bear Witness to the Truth

John 18:

³⁷ Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

Do you know the truth?

Romans 3:

²³ For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 6:

²³ For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Will you receive His gift right now?

7) Jesus came to Minister and Give His life a Ransom

Matthew 20:

²⁸ Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

 

8) Jesus came to Give Life

 John 10:

¹⁰ The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly

9) Jesus came to become Lord of the Living and the Dead

Romans 14:

⁹ For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

10) Jesus came to bring Glory to the Father’s Name

John 12

²⁷ Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

²⁸ Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

11) Jesus came for Judgment

John 9:

³⁹And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

⁴⁰ And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?

⁴¹ Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

12) Jesus came that we might Receive the Adoption of Sons

Galatians 4:

⁴ But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

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

13) Jesus came to Preach the Gospel to the Poor, to Heal the Brokenhearted, to Preach Deliverance to the captives, to recover sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord,

Luke 4

¹⁶ And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

¹⁷ And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

¹⁸ The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

¹⁹ To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

14) Jesus came to Destroy the devil- Hebrews 2:

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

15) Jesus came to Deliver you from bondage in fear of death –Hebrews 2:

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

16) Jesus came to Bring a sword – Matthew 10:

³⁴ Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

³⁵ For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

³⁶ And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.

³⁷ He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

³⁸ And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

³⁹ He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

17) Jesus came to be the Mediator of a New Covenant – Hebrews 10:

⁵ Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

⁶ In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

⁷ Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

⁸ Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;

⁹ Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

¹⁰ By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

¹¹ And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

¹² But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

¹³ From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

¹⁴ For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.

What information does history provide about crucifixion?

King Darius of Persia had 3000 Babylonians crucified in about 519 B.C.

Around 300 B.C., Alexander the Great had 2000 citizens of Tyre crucified after he conquered the city.

The Romans did not invent crucifixion but did perfect its cruelty.

Crucifixion as performed by the Romans included

-flogging,

-the condemned carrying own cross to the place outside the city walls, led by a complete military guard, headed by a centurion. A sign (titulus) which told what the condemned man was guilty of, was sometimes carried by a soldier and sometimes put around the condemned man’s neck. Later this sign would be attached to the top of the cross

– given a drink of wine mixed with myrrh (gall). This was intended to be a mild narcotic that would

deaden the pain. It is significant that Jesus refused this drink

– stripping of garments

– being thrown to the ground where outstretched hands were nailed to the crossbeam

– being hoisted up so that the crossbeam was attached to the upright beam.

– nailing the feet, one on top of the other, to the upright beam with another iron spike. Jutting out from

the upright beam was a small block or plank (sedile) which the crucified would straddle, thus

absorbing some of the weight of the body.

The crucified person could not exhale properly and this eventually would lead to painful muscle cramps. Furthermore, adequate exhaling required the crucified to lift his body by pushing up on the feet and rotating his elbows. This, of course, resulted in searing pain in both feet and hands. Lifting of the body to properly exhale would also painfully scrape the scourged back against the rough wooden cross, probably reopening wounds and causing more bleeding. On the cross every breath would be an agonizing affair and finally in combination with exhaustion would lead to asphyxia. Death by crucifixion at times came quickly, but sometimes didn’t come to the crucified for several days. There the crucified would hang, naked, the object of jeering and ridicule, insects landing in their mouth, eyes, and open wounds, and unable to remove them, exposed to the elements, unable to eat or drink. And this is the death that Jesus Christ died. All this our Savior did for you and for me, to save us from the penalty of our sins.

History indicates Jesus Christ chose to come to earth at the time in history when criminal execution was most barbaric, severe and cruel.

Questions for Reflection

1. I) Are you living an abundant life?
2. II) Is the life you are living worth His death on the cross and resurrection?

III) Will you allow Jesus Christ to give you the abundant life, for which He came to earth?

Colossians 3:

¹If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

² Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

³ For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

• When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory

1. IV) Have you been saved from the penalty and power of sin or does it still control you?

The Christian life is a growing process. Talk to Jesus about it.

John 8:

³⁴ Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

³⁵ And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.

³⁶ If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

1. V) Do you believe Jesus Christ has delivered you from bondage to the fear of death?

How does that play out in your daily life?

1. VI) What does it mean to you to take up your cross?

VII) Is there an area in your life where someone or something is more important than Jesus Christ?

Matthew 11:

²⁸ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Why Should He Love Me So- Robert Harkness
Love sent my Savior to die in my stead; Why should He love me so?
Meekly to Calvary’s cross He was led; Why should He love me so?

Nails pierced His hands and His feet for my sin; Why should He love me so?
He suffered sore my salvation to win; Why should He love me so?

O how He agonized there in my place; Why should He love me so?
Nothing withholding my sin to efface; Why should He love me so?

chorus

Why should He love me so? Why should He love me so?
Why should my Savior to Calvary go? Why should He love me so?

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.

Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

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

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

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

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

Who would you say Jesus Christ is? Some people say He was a good man. Some people say He was a great teacher. Some people say Jesus Christ is God. What does the Bible say about the identity of Jesus Christ?

Jesus Christ’s Identity

 1) Advocate – 1 John 2:

¹My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

2) Alive forevermore with the keys of hell and death-Revelation 1:

¹⁷ And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

¹⁸ I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

3) Almighty – Revelation 1:

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

4) Alpha and Omega- Revelation 22:

The beginning and the end

The first and the last

¹³ I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

5) The Amen – Revelation 3:

The faithful and true witness – Revelation 3:

The beginning of the creation of God Revelation 3:

¹⁴ And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

6) The Apostle and High Priest of our profession – Hebrews 3:

¹Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

7) Brightness of His glory and the express image of His person-Hebrews 1:

¹God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

² Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

³ Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

8) Captain of the LORD’s army- Joshua 5:

¹³ And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?

¹⁴ And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?

¹⁵ And the captain of the LORD’S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

9) Chief Cornerstone-Ephesians 2:

¹⁹ Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

²⁰ And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

10) Consuming fire – Hebrews 12:

²⁸ Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

²⁹ For our God is a consuming fire.

11) Creator –Genesis 1:

¹In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth

12) Christ – Matthew 16:

¹⁶ And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

13) Faithful

1 Corinthians 10:

 ¹³ There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1 Thessalonians 5:

 ²⁴ Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

2 Thessalonians 3:

³ But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

2 Timothy 2:

¹³ If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Hebrews 2:17

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.

1 Peter 4:

¹⁹ Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

14) Faithful and just

1 John 1:

⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness

15) Faithful witness– Revlation1:

First begotten of the dead– Revlation1:

Prince of the kings of the earth– Revlation1:

The One Who loves us– Revlation1:

The One Who washed us from our sins in His own blood– Revlation1:

The One Who has made us kings and priests unto God – Revlation1:

⁵And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

⁶ And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

16) First and the last – Revelation 2:

He Who was dead and is alive – Revelation 2:

⁸ And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

17) First Fruits -1 Corinthians 15:

²⁰ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

²¹ For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

²² For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

18) Gift of God-John 4:

¹⁰ Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

19) God –

Isaiah 45:

²² Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

Isaiah 46:

⁹ Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,

John 1:

¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

20) Good Shepherd – John 10:

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

21) Great Shepherd – Hebrews 13:

²⁰ Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

²¹ Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

22) He Who has the seven Spirits of God – Revelation 3:

He that has the seven stars – Revelation 3:

He Who knows your works -Revelation 3:

¹ And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

23) He Who has the sharp sword with two edges – Revelation 2:

¹² And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

24) He Who holds the seven stars in His right hand-Revelation 2:

He Who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks -Revelation 2:

¹ Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

25) He Who is and was and is to come – Revelation 1:

⁴ John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

26) He Who lives and was dead – Revelation 1:

He Who is alive forever more- Revelation 1:

He Who has the keys of hell and death – Revelation 1:

¹⁸ I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

27) High Priest –Hebrews 4:

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

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.

Hebrews 9:

¹¹ But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

28) Holy-

Joshua 24:

¹⁹ And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.

²⁰ If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.

Isaiah 6:

¹In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

² Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

³ And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

Psalm 22:

³ But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

Revelation 4:

⁸ And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Revelation 15:

⁴ Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

29) the I Am- John 8:

⁵⁸ Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

I Am the Light of the world-John 8:

¹² Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

I Am the Door-John 10:

⁹ I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

I am the resurrection and the life-John 11:

²⁵ Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

²⁶ And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

I Am the way, the truth, the life – John 14:

⁶ Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

I Am the bread of life-John 6:

³⁵ And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

I Am the Good Shepherd-John 10:

¹⁴ I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

I am the vine-John 15:

⁵ I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

30) He is the image of the invisible God – Colossians 1:

31) He is the firstborn of creation- Colossians 1:

¹⁵ Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

32) all things created by Him and for Him- Colossians 1:

¹⁶ For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

33) He is before all things- Colossians 1:

34) By Him all things consist – Colossians 1:

¹⁷ And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

35) He is the head of the body; the church- Colossians 1:

36) He is the beginning – Colossians 1:

37) He is the first born from the dead – Colossians 1:

38) He has pre-eminence in all things – Colossians 1:

¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

39) All the fullness of the Father dwells in Him- Colossians 1:

¹⁹ For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

40) He is the Reconciler of all things unto Himself- Colossians 1:

²⁰ And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

41) Immanuel – Matthew 1:

²³ Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

42) Judge – John 5:

²² For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

43) Lamb of God-John 1:

²⁹ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

John 1:

³⁶ And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

44) Lion of the tribe of Judah-Revelation 5:

⁴And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

⁵ And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

⁶ And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

⁷ And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

45)) Lord of glory- 1 Corinthians 2:⁷ But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

⁸Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

46) LORD of Hosts – Isaiah 47:

⁴ As for our redeemer, the LORD of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.

47) Lord of Lords-Revelation 17:

King of Kings-Revelation 17:

¹⁴ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

48) Our Helper – Hebrews 13:

⁶ So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

49) Our hope -1 Timothy 1;

¹Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;

50) Our life -– Colossians 3:

⁴ When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

51) Our peace – Ephesians 2:

¹⁴ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

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;

52) Prince of Life –Acts 3:

¹³ The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.

¹⁴ But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

¹⁵ And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

53) Propitiation for our sins- 1 John 2:

²And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 4:

¹⁰ Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

54) Savior/Redeemer – Matthew 1:

²¹ And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins

55) Shepherd and Bishop of your soul-1 Peter 3:

²⁵ For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

56) Son of God – Revelation 2:

He Who has His eyes like a flame of fire – Revelation 2:

He Who has feet like fine brass – Revelation 2:

¹⁸ And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

57) True – Revelation 3:

He that has the key of David- Revelation 3:

Holy – Revelation 3:

He that opens, and no man shuts- Revelation 3:

He that shuts and no man can open- Revelation 3:

¹And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

58) Wonderful, Counselor –Isaiah 9:

59) Mighty God–Isaiah 9:

60) Everlasting Father–Isaiah 9:

61) Prince of Peace –Isaiah 9:

⁶ For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

62) Word of Life – 1 John 1:

¹ That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

² (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

³ That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

⁴ And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

¹⁴ And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Circle the three that matter most to you today-Be ready to explain why these three matter to you

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

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

In this series we are examining the specifics of Jesus Christ as your Master Life Coach. So far in this series we have examined the description of Jesus Christ’s team; the positions on Jesus Christ’s team; the mission of Jesus Christ’s team; Jesus Christ’s personal relationship with you; and the goal of Jesus Christ’s team. Today we look at the victory song for Jesus Christ’s team

Victory Song for Jesus Christ’s team is recorded in Revelation 5:

⁶And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

⁷ And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

⁸ And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

⁹ And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

¹⁰ And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Our new song tells of the worthiness of Jesus Christ

Our new song tells of the redemption of Jesus Christ

Our new song tells of the inclusion of all kindred, tongue, people and nation in Jesus Christ’s team

Questions for Reflection

1) What does it matter to you to be part of such a large team?

2) What does it mean to you to be part of Jesus Christ’s team?

3) What does your redemption mean to you?

4) What worth to ascribe to Jesus Christ?

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

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

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

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

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti

In this series we are examining the specifics of Jesus Christ as your Master Life Coach. So far in this series we have examined the description of Jesus Christ’s team; the positions on Jesus Christ’s team; the mission of Jesus Christ’s team; and Jesus Christ’s personal relationship with you. Today we look at the goal for Jesus Christ’s team.

The Goal of Jesus Christ’s team recorded in Ephesians 5:

²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

²⁶ That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

²⁷ That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Questions for Reflection

• What does it mean to you that Jesus Christ loves you so much that He gave Himself for you in order to present you to Himself holy and without blemish?

• What does it matter to you that you are so precious to Jesus Christ?

• What is your understanding of Jesus Christ as your Master Life Coach?

• When you cross your finish line into the physical presence of Jesus Christ what do you expect to see?

• What do you think you will do first? Hug Him? Bow before Him? Shout ‘victory’?

When We All Get to Heaven-Eliza E. Hewitt, pub.1898

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansions bright and blessed He’ll prepare for us a place.

Refrain:

When we all get to heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus, We’ll sing and shout the victory!

While we walk the pilgrim pathway, Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when trav’ling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh.

Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting, serving every day;

Just one glimpse of Him in glory Will the toils of life repay.

Onward to the prize before us! Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open; We shall tread the streets of gold.

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

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

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

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

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti