Get back up

Get back up

"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 46:13

At one point in our lives, we will all fall down.  And obviously the harder the fall, the more it hurts.  As a trail runner, I have taken my share of tumbles.  While I can't say that I enjoyed them, they have taught me a valuable lesson-falls are essential to building faith.  The more we fall, the more times we experience God's saving grace in our lives. Most times that's not a physical fall either.  We all tend to overestimate our abilities apart from Christ forgetting that "apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5. Wow, are we ever destined to fail with that attitude?

While participating in a trail run Saturday, I was really enjoying the peace and solitude of the woods.  I had on my praise music and was lost in worship taking my eyes off the ground and path in front of me.  And in just a matter of a split second, down I went.   I immediately got up, assessed the damage, praised the Lord that it wasn't bad and kept running.  You see I have fallen so many times in my life (and I'm not just talking about my running) and been down so low that I couldn't see the way out more times than I would care to count.  Each time God lifted me up-out of depression, despair and hopelessness.  So many times that it has now become second nature to know that He is there.  

The point is, so many people fall the first time and never get back up again-never experiencing His saving grace.  They either fail to ask for God's help or don't wait for His perfect timing and give up not believing that they are worthy of saving.  It's in our falls, faults and failures that our faith is secured.   He loves you.  He really does. Matthew 18:12-14 tells us that, "“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish."

Its okay to fall.  In fact you should expect to.  But don't stay down!!! Get up and get moving.

Heavenly Father, thank you for Your saving grace in our lives.  Help us to look to you when we fall and to rely on your strength for every situation.  May we use Your Word as our life guide to help us avoid potholes and stumbling blocks on our journey.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX5OqyBYKh4
You may be knocked down but not out forever.-Toby Mac

To God alone be the glory

To God alone be the glory

"Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness." Psalm 115:1

In the sports arena where success is linked to what a person can do (not how they live their life)  and their talents, it's easy for successful athletes to lose sight of Christ, the reason behind their triumphs, and accept the praises of man.   Psalm 139:6 though reminds us that, "Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."  Who we are and the abilities we are given are from God alone.   If we are not using them to glorify Him, they mean nothing. How inspiring it was to read this story yesterday of a Christian athlete sharing his testimony:

United States men’s soccer captain Clint Dempsey is making headlines as he leads the U.S. team in the World Cup. While his talents on the pitch are capturing the hearts of Americans and the attention of the world, so is his Christian faith.

Dempsey, a native of Nacogdoches, Texas, openly discusses his faith and credits the sport he loves with helping him sustain his Christian views.

“Little did I know that the sport I loved and the skills I learned would later play a role in my relationship with God,” he told Sports Spectrum last month.

Growing up in a Catholic family, Dempsey went to church every Sunday with his grandmother. But at 12 years old, he endured a tragic event that caused his worldview to change.

“My sister [Jennifer] died [from a brain aneurysm], and I was faced with questions about why things happen and what role God played in it all,” he said. “For a number of years, I struggled and put distance between God and me. But He was faithful and patient and provided gradual healing and strength.”

If you managed to catch the beginning of the game between U.S. and Ghana, you would have seen him raise his fingers to the sky after scoring an impossibly fast goal just 29 seconds into the game.  “That’s why I look up to the sky now when I score — to remember her,” he said.

After distancing himself from God, in college, Dempsey came to embrace his faith and pursue it more deeply.

“In college, I joined a team Bible study. God’s Word brought me peace and a desire for a relationship with Him,” Dempsey said. “I found that questioning Him and searching for answers through Scripture helped me grow and gave me direction. Now, my faith in Christ is what gives me confidence of the future. I know that through both good times and bad, He is faithful and will watch over me.”

Dempsey credits reading the Bible for giving him insight and direction.

“God provides strength, even when circumstances seem impossible,” he said. “Today, I pray for strength to walk the road before me. I play to the best of my abilities and am thankful for the many opportunities and amazing success He has given me. Through it all, I want to do right, not make mistakes, and live a life that is pleasing to Him.”

Read more at http://www.westernjournalism.com/u-s-soccer-star-reveals-love-christ-impacts-life-sport-loves/#fHbijDhxbjL7e3Ly.99

Heavenly Father, thank you for people who are willing to stand up and give You the glory for their abilities.   While it would be so easy to hide their faith, bless these athletes that are the role models to our youth.  We pray for each and every one of them.  And Father, I pray that more would come forward acknowledging You as the Provider of their strength and talents.  May their voices be heard and Your name praised!  In your precious name Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Let everything I say and do, Let it be all for You.  The glory is Yours alone-Aaron Schust

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT-QWSxV0Hs

Be consistent

Be consistent

"For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."  Hebrews 5:13-14

Would you go go for one run and call yourself a runner?  Would you be ready to run a marathon after just one run?  Of course not.  We all know this would be crazy-so why do we treat our spiritual race like this?  We think we can go to church one time a week (if that) and we will grow.  If we only ate one time a week, we wouldn't last long and if we only ran once a week, we wouldn't be able to enter the race.    If you were to compare your bible workouts to a fitness program, would you be meeting even the bare minimum health requirements?  The CDC recommends 150 minutes of weekly exercise and muscle strengthening activities on at least two days a week for the average adult.  It can be broken down into 10 minute sessions of moderate-brisk activity http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/adults.html.  Better put, that would be about  two 11 minute exercise sessions per day to stay healthy.  That doesn't sound so hard when worded like that does it?

It's a no-brainer then to know that to become stronger and healthier physically, we have to set back time for activity?  What about your spiritual health though?  Are you giving God any time?  1 Peter 2:2 says, "Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment,"  When Peter said a full experience, he knew that to enjoy full fellowship with Christ on this earth, we had to crave His nourishment.  We had to cry out for it.  And, like a baby, we need to be fed regularly to grow.    

That type of exercise can be done anywhere at any time.  Just open up your bible, read His word regularly and grow!   Try giving God the minimum requirements for a while-pretty soon you'll be craving more and this type of exercise won't feel like a chore.  As you mature and grow closer to Christ, you will cry out for Him and truly enjoy a "full experience of salvation."  May He bless your new "fitness" program.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for providing Your word to us that we may use it to grow closer to You.  I pray that we will yearn to know You more and use every opportunity we have to grow stronger and more mature in the faith.  Help us Father as we begin making time for you every day.  Please guard us from distractions and negative thoughts.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

I'm going to have a strong finish because I have strong faith. -Jonathon Nelson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlMGANGGJQE

What type of runner are you?

What type of runner are you?

"But the LORD said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

What kind of runner would you consider yourself?  Would you say your were a "fair weathered" runner who only runs outside when conditions are near perfect-the runner who welcomes using a treadmill in a climate controlled environment while occupying your mind with Netflix?   Or are you an "all weather" runner- one that avoids the treadmill like the plague and considers running in the rain, snow, sleet and heat a good time that everyone should try?  I'd have to admit, if you haven't guessed, that I'm definitely the latter.  

Regardless of your preference or if you run a 5 minute mile or a 15 minute mile, you are a runner.  If you consistently lace up your shoes, head out the door and cover one mile or 20 miles, you are a runner.   But, if you do it for the Lord, you are a Christian runner.  And that my friend is what will really get you into shape. 1 Timothy 4:8 tells us that "physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."  Learning to discipline your body through physical training is great but let godliness be your goal remembering that "your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you...not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.   

Glorifying God in your body means your whole body-physically and spiritually.  So, whatever type of "runner" you are, use your training in a way to grow closer to God and bring Him praise.  "Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! " Psalm 96:4.

Heavenly Father, you are certainly worthy to be praised.  Thank you for giving us the ability to get up each day and run or walk.  I pray that you speak to us as we train our bodies and glorify you through our actions. May everything we do and say bring you praise today and every day.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy Running!!!

team413.org

Whooo!  This song is guaranteed to put a pep in your step.  Turn it up!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7eZD3TKn_M

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance. I just want to praise you.-Mary Mary

It will be provided

It will be provided

" Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”  Genesis 22:13-14

Today as I was running one of my favorite routes, I was reflecting on how my life has changed in the last 10 years-about the time I got serious in my search for God and who He was.  So many thoughts passed through my mind as different smells and sounds awoke a new recollection. Memories flowed as I recalled praying  for my friend on this road who was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and then praying for a another friend after a motorcycle accident (which was fatal), praying for my family during hard times and so many other things.  That's what I do when I need to feel His presence... I run.

Nine years ago, my daughter Hope (aka Hopee), was born.  Someday I'll tell the whole story, but for now, I'll just tell you that she was born sick.  Very sick.  I loved her from the moment I saw her but knew that getting through the first few months would be tough.   There was a day that I was so mentally, physically and spiritually tired, I really just wanted to crawl up into a ball and cry.  Since that wasn't an option, I decided to go for a run.  I needed God like I never had before and I needed Him NOW!  Within two miles of my run, He was speaking and I was listening-so intently that I stumbled and fell on the hard country gravel ripping the knees clean out of my pants and bloodying my hands, forearms and elbows.  That was the moment He was waiting for.... I was broken.  I had nothing more to give.  All my strength was gone and I had no choice but to trust His plan.  As I sat there in the middle of the road, my head between my knees and my arms wrapped tight around myself, I cried so hard and fast that I couldn't control it.

I can not explain how deeply I felt His presence then, the warm comfort of His nearness, as the tears stopped and a new peace washed over me.  I knew everything was going to be okay.  I knew it because He told me so.  I knew it because I had given it all to Him.  What a blessing it is to be broken.  I understand now why Abraham built that altar.  He knew it was going to be okay too and he wanted to remember that moment and that special place where God showed His presence.  While I can't build an altar on that country back road, I can praise Him for the blessing that day and the many more that followed.   He is truly worthy to be praised.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence in our lives when we need You.  We are so undeserving and yet You still love us.  That's amazing love.  We can't thank you enough for it.  May we remember the times you rescued us and forever praise you for them.  In your precious name Jesus.  Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI1obeb3A9c
I want to run to you with heart wide opened.  Make me broken-Sidewalk Prophets

Get there and Share

Get there and Share

"So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." Galatians 6:9

Everybody has a motto these days.  Coke is refreshing, Charmin is squeezable, Ruffles have ridges and I dare you to eat just one Lays potato chip.  A motto is supposed to sum up quickly what a product or organization is about.  "Get there and share" is the motto of TEAM 413.  And it fits it perfectly.  As athletes serving Christ, our goal is to go where He calls us and share His message.  We need not worry about how as He has promised to equip us to do His will. Hebrews 13:20  This message is so important that thousands of TEAM 413 members, around the world, share it at races and on daily runs and walks.

If you had just one message to share before you died, what would it be?  Whatever it is, it would likely be the most important thing that you wanted people to know and remember right?  Well, the last message Jesus spoke to the disciples was, "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19

Jesus said GO, MAKE and TEACH.  Notice these are all verbs that require action?

Neatly summed up, we are to GO out into the world, MAKE ourselves available to be used by Christ and to TEACH others about the message of salvation.   Pretty simple actually.  Except that often times it requires us to leave the comforts of our home and step out of our comfort zones to do so.  Before you get to thinking that you can't be a missionary because you can't go to a foreign country, consider this definition:
A missionary is someone sent by Jesus Christ just as He was sent by God. The great controlling factor is not the needs of people, but the command of Jesus. The source of our inspiration in our service for God is behind us, not ahead of us. -Oswald Chambers http://utmost.org/what-is-a-missionary/
So, no matter where you are, make it your mission to GO, MAKE and TEACH. What's stopping you?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity to serve You.  May we make it our mission to share the message with the thirsty and lost in this world.  May we heed the promptings when you desire for us to speak or serve.  And may we boldly say the words You would have us say.  If we reach just one Father, it will be worth it all.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running

www.team413.org

Ask me how to be a member of TEAM 413 (or click the link), the world's largest ministry of endurance athletes sharing the message of salvation "one mile at a time".  We have over 70,000 members worldwide and are making a difference every day.  May we all strive to "get there and share" and win others to Christ every day.  

Its Worth it all-Disciple

Why NOT me?

Why NOT me?

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4

Why me God?  Why me?  Have you ever said this in the midst of a problem?  Sure, we all have.  John 16:33 tells us that, "In this world you will have trouble."  Jesus didn't say we might have trouble, He said we will have trouble when we "encounter various trials.  But, He also promises peace during these hard times if we will trust Him. Isaiah 26:33 says, "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."   So, if we all will face trials, designed to produce endurance, to "have its perfect result" in us then why Not me then?  

When blessings are flowing down and life is going smoothly, do you ask God why me then too?  Most of us probably don't.  The majority of people would probably even say that they don't think to thank Him for the everyday blessings we take for granted (health, a home, a car that runs, a job, running water, healthy children).  Since we have done nothing to earn any good thing that God has given us, His grace (God's unmerited favor) is truly a gift-something we should be thankful for at all times.  I Thessalonians 5:18 says, "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."  

To be thankful in all circumstances means the good and the bad.  One thing is certain, the more trials we go through, the more times we will feel his comfort.  And the more blessings we are given, the more times we can praise Him.  These are both great times when God is present!  While we will never understand why things happen in this life, we don't need to.  We simply need to trust God.  Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight."  

Heavenly Father, thank you for your blessings in the good times and your comfort in the bad. May we remember that You are all we need in any time and any situation.  While we may not understand the things that happen in this life, I pray that we glorify You in every situation.  In your precious name we pray, Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txTdcqDTL9E

Kenzie dancing with her dad.   Touching display of a father dancing with the most beautiful girl he has ever seen and trusting God's plan in the midst of one of the hardest trials any parent could ever face.   Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." is written on the back of his shirt.  God bless this guy.  

Need a running partner?

Need a running partner?

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever." John 14:16

If you always run alone and enjoy it, that's great.  But runners who never sweat with company tend to experience more low-motivation days and miss more runs each year than those who regularly meet up with others.  Running with a friend, a group, your dog, or even a podcast can engage your mind and your body in ways that running solo can't. -Jeff Galloway (Runners World, June 2014, pg.28)

Most runners would agree that running with a partner makes the run more enjoyable and the time pass more quickly.  But, what if you don't have a partner?  Have I got great news for you!  I have the best running friend you could ever ask for and He is available 24/7/365 at no charge.   Interested?  You simply need to call out His name-Jesus.

TOP 10 list of the reasons Jesus makes the best running partner:

1.  He can accompany you on any race without paying an additional entry fee.  In fact, He's already paid yours into Heaven.  Romans 3:24

2.  He warns you if a route is dangerous and will keep you from stumbling.  Psalm 121:3

3.  He loves to hear you sing as you run (even if the dogs are howling).  He thinks your praises are fantastic.  Psalm 149:4

4.  He is available to run with you any time of the day or night and never tires.  Psalm 121:4

5.  He can run at any pace so will accompany you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9

6.   You can speak to Him with your heart making it easier to concentrate on breathing. 1 John 2:27

7.  He's the absolute best coach ever.  He has the solution to any problem.  Psalm 139:7-16

8.  He doesn't care how you look or smell while running or how bad you mess up.  Romans 5:8

9.  He pushes you to be the best you can be.  Psalm 26:2

10.  He LOVES running with you.  1 John 4:19


If running alone is your roadblock to beginning, remember that you don't have to do it alone.  In fact, there's nothing in this life you have to face alone.  God loves you and is waiting for you to invite Him along.  All it takes is simply saying, "Lord, have Your way with me today. Be with me today and every day."  Simple as that.  Have a blessed Saturday my friends.

Heavenly Father, you are an amazing friend.  Thank you for loving us at our worst and helping us daily to be the best we can be.  Be with us today as we strive to stay in the race and not grow weary.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running
www.team413.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MivUqBCbFc
I want you to possess by body, possess my soul.-Beckah Shae

Cast your cares already

Cast your cares already

"Cast your cares on the Lord  and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."  Psalm 55:22

How far do you think you would have to run to "run away from your problems"?  I can assure you that it's a distance so long and so hard to travel that you would never be able to cover it in your lifetime.  There is a distance as far as the east is from the west though where God says He will meet you where you are, forgive you of your sins and give you peace.  Can you believe that without taking a single step (other than praying), God can give you the perfect peace that you so desire?  In fact, Psalm 103:11-12 describes His amazing love for us, "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." 

Carrying problems around is like carrying added weight.  Would you attempt to run a marathon, or any race for that matter, carrying a sack of potatoes?  Of course not.  Even if you were able to finish the race, you would have faced a struggle God says you didn't have to face.  In fact Hebrews 12:1 tells us to, "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us".   Jesus didn't instruct us to throw off some of the things that hinders our run for the finish line-He said Everything!

Face it.  Problems, worries, anxiety and sin are as bad for you as carrying around that sack of potatoes. Get rid of it!  It slows you down, wears you down and pretty soon keeps you down.  God doesn't want to us to carry our burdens.  He has offered to do it for us,  Matthew 11:29 says, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS." Make today the day you give it up.  I assure you there's nothing you can't give to God that He can't handle. And then run like a child again-free and carefree!!

Heavenly Father,thank you for loving us enough to offer to take our burdens so we may have peace.  So many of us carry that "sack of potatoes" around thinking it's too heavy to give to you. May today be the day that we give it up and run the race with endurance the way you have instructed us.  Lord, thank you for your instructions on what's best for our life and what will give us peace.  In your precious name we pray, Jesus.  Amen.  

Happy running!!!
www.team413.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy4ytwKfjBI
Jesus, can you show me just how far the east is from the west?-Casting Crowns

Soldier of God

Soldier of God

"No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him." 2 Timothy 2:4

It's hard to travel anywhere right now without seeing campaign signs.  They're everywhere and are designed to persuade you to follow the person whose name is displayed on the sign. Campaigning is not limited to just signs though.  Competitors are always looking for different ways to promote their name and their cause.  So I guess it's not surprising that I was recently approached with a proposition to endorse a particular candidate by wearing a shirt with their slogan and information on my morning runs.   Frankly, the thought of publicly acknowledging anyone but Jesus as my Leader or the one I put my trust in, has never and will never cross my mind.   Let me tell you why.  

Merriam Webster defines a soldier as: a member of an army.   Joel 2:11 shows God as the head of this army saying, "The LORD is at the head of the column. He leads them with a shout. This is his mighty army, and they follow his orders. The day of the LORD is an awesome, terrible thing. Who can possibly survive?"  Here is perhaps the best definition of a Soldier of God:

Soldier of God

I am a soldier in the army of my God.  The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer.  The Holy Scripture is my code of conduct.  Faith, prayer and the Word are my weapons of warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity and tested by fire.  I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity.  I will not get out, sell out, be talked out or pushed out.  I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable. If my God needs me, I am there.  I am a soldier, not a baby.  I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up.  I am a soldier.  No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me or lure me.  I am a soldier.  I am not a wimp.  I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name and building His kingdom!  No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards or candy, or give me handouts.  I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for or catered to.  I am committed.  I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around.  I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside.  I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit. 

When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing.  If I end up with nothing, I will still come out ahead.   I will win.  My God has and will continue to supply all of my needs.  I am more than a conqueror.  I will always triumph.   I can do all things through Christ.  The devil cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me.  Weather cannot weary me.  Sickness cannot stop me.  Battles cannot beat me.  Money cannot buy me.  Governments cannot silence me, and hell cannot handle me.  I am a soldier.  Even death cannot destroy me.  For when my commander calls me from His battlefield, He will promote me to captain and then allow me to rule with Him.  I am a soldier in the army, and I'm marching claiming victory.  I will not give up.  I will not turn around.

I am a soldier, marching heaven-bound.  Here I stand!  Will you stand with me?  http://www.ecclesia.org/truth/fellow-soldier.html

Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to be a soldier in Your army. May we serve you with all we have for all the time we have to live.  Give us the strength to "fight the good fight" never tiring of lifting up Your name.  Grant us the victory Lord.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy running!!!

www.team413.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4_HRhL4ekE

There's only time for the truth.  Steer clear of civilian affairs.-The Cross Movement

Let them see You in me

Let them see You in me

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."  Romans 12-2

I am always amazed when I walk up to someone I know, greet them and have them ask, "Do I know you?". I usually have to grab my hair into a ponytail and tell them to imagine I'm in running clothes.  Invariably, I hear, "Oh yes, I'm so sorry.  I didn't recognize you in regular clothes".   This just so happened to me yesterday as I was grocery shopping and got me to thinking.  If I'm inconsistent on my outward appearance making me unrecognizable at times, am I inconsistent on my inward appearance as well? 

Our outward appearances are bound to change, the aging process alone does that.  And circumstances and weather dictate the clothes we wear, the hairstyles we have and our general image. Most times our attitude can change the way we look as well.  While these things are mostly out of our control, the condition and appearance of our heart is not.  Colossians 3:1-2 instructs us to, "set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."  If you want to be like somebody, you watch them right?  The same is true of Christ.  If we want to be like Him, we have to know Him.  We have to set our "hearts and minds on things above."  

It's by watching and then following His example that people will see Christ in us.  Ephesians 5:1-2 says, "Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children  and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."  But, the only way to follow God's example is to know His example.  You can't do that without reading the manual.  Open up His word and let Him speak to you today.  Then, regardless of how you look on the outside, the love of Christ will always show through you.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your example of how to love people.  I pray that others will see You in us as we love them unconditionally as You first loved us.  May we be transformed and have our minds renewed as we set our hearts and minds on you.  In Your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy running!!!
www.team413.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOg-1JjAdGk

Let them see you in me.   Let them hear you when I speak.-JJ Weeks Band

Be the hope today

Be the hope today

"You can enter into God's kingdom only through the narrow gate.  The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way.   But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few will ever find it."  Matthew 7:13-14

If you were in a race running alongside strangers, would you warn them of any dangers on the course you were aware of?  If a runner was about to get hit by a car, would you push him/her out of the way?  I hope the answer to both of these is yes.  If you would do this for total strangers, which we all should, what is holding you back from warning your unsaved friends or family members about the most dangerous situation they could ever encounter-dying without first knowing Jesus?  Saving someone's physical body takes caring but saving their soul takes true love.

Last night I was talking to a longtime patient about his latest MRI.  It showed some spots on his lungs that he was almost certain would test positive for cancer.  He was very downcast as he told me that he would have the biopsy results Wednesday which would determine his fate.  Most people don't realize that their days are predestined and live as if they will never die.  Being faced with cancer, though, can make even the most self reliant person question eternity.  When I asked him gently if he was saved, he said no but he wouldn't think about that until Wednesday when he got his test results back.  I then reminded him that he may not have until Wednesday-no one is guaranteed another day. Psalm 144:4 says, "Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow."  He shook his head, smiled and said jokingly, "You have been at this for years,  you just won't give up will you?".

The answer to that question is no.  Can you say the same?  Are you willing to face rejection, ridicule and shame for His name?  Are you willing to reach out your hand to the lost while there is still time?  I assure you it's not hard.  Offer yourself to Christ, "for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said." Luke 12:12, let Him speak through you and be the lifeline to someone in need.  Seriously, what's stopping you?

Heavenly Father, I pray that our eyes would be opened to see those that are lost in our world today.  I know there are many in need of hearing Your word Lord.  Please help us to be bold in reaching out to others and give us a love for them that can not be contained.  May we have an unquenchable thirst to bring others to You.  Oh Father, may we be the light to the lost in this dark world, not wasting even one opportunity.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toCKscre-qE
I can hear that you're calling me to be the hope, be the light, be the love right now, starting right now.-Capital Kings, Ready Set Go

Focus on the Planner, not the plan

Focus on the Planner, not the plan

"We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps."  Proverbs 16:9

When runners talk about an upcoming race, they will inevitably talk about their plans to run it.  They study the course map, check the weather, plot their projected pace and dream about the finish line and the great finishing time they will have if only their "plan will just come together."  I'll admit it.  I'm guilty of it-or should I say was guilty of it.  I was always planning my life days, weeks and years in advance. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't.  I just chalked it up to luck.   But those were the days before I "took up my cross" as Matthew 16:24 instructs us, "Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."

After many races I "planned" only to have God "determine my steps" (inevitably different from my plans), I finally learned to embrace the fact that He puts me where He wants me in the race-He does all of us.  Sometimes that means an easy course or period in life,  but many times it's a struggle to the finish line.  Whether we like it or not, we sometimes have to go through painful times to be at a place to help others do the same.  These are the times when you "press in harder" trusting God who "gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."  1 Corinthians 15:57. And the times when you actually treasure a 4:30:59 over a 3:40:12 because you know, without a doubt, that you shared Christ (PR-personal relationship) which is more important than a PR (personal record)

James 4:15 says, "What you ought to say is, "If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that." How much simpler life is when we give it to the Lord from the beginning.  Instead of making our plans, wouldn't it be easier to pray that His plan would be revealed?  Absolutely it would.  It starts with the first step.  Give him that one, and then another, and another..... until He has it all. He wants it all.  "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:5

Heavenly Father, thank you for determining our steps and guiding our paths.  I pray that we would give all we have to serve You.  Thank you for loving us enough to show us the way to salvation.  May we show that same love to others as we deny ourselves, our selfish goals and ambitions to glorify You through our actions.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC6b1RS57p8

Give it all.  He wants it all-Forever Jones