Are you ready?

“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didnt realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes." Matthew 24:36-39

As we are counting down the days to the TEAM 413 first annual Frog Hill Half marathon, I'm finding there are so many things to get done. My mind keeps picturing the clocks designed to count down by days, minutes and seconds the time you have left until the "big day".  As the time is getting closer, being "ready" is of greater importance. By knowing in advance when something will occur, you can prepare and plan for it. Works out great when you're planning a race, wedding or a birthday party that's for sure. 

But what about the biggest day that will ever come? The day of Christ's return? It would be great to know when that would happen, wouldn't it? We could live our lives the way we wanted and then sweep out our closets the night before His return. Some of us are living like that though without even knowing it. 1 John 1:6 says, "If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth." In other words, if we claim to know Jesus but aren't walking with Him, we are just as lost as those who have never given their life to Christ. What does it mean then to walk with Christ? Ephesians 5:1-2 explains, "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma."

To be like Christ, we have to love like Christ, serve like Christ and live like Christ. In doing so,we won't need to worry about when Christ will return. If we are abiding in His love, we will be ready regardless of the time of day. And what a glorious day that will be! Let us be singing His praises on the day He returns.

"This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24

Heavenly Father, thank You for promising us that one day You will return and take us to be with You. Meanwhile, may we strive to be like You, love like You and serve like You. Remind us that our days are short and give us an urgency to tell others about You so they may too be ready for your return and live each day in anticipation of it. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Glorious Day - Casting Crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXp6xcY5IqU

Run to win

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:" 1 Peter 4:10

"Dennis Kimetto ran 2:02:57 at the Berlin Marathon today to break the world record by 26 seconds and become the first person on any course to run under 2:03." That was Sunday morning's headlines. Talk about a record breaking time! The earliest recorded marathon record (I could find) was set by Johnny Hayes (an American) on July 24, 1908 with a time of 2:55:18. Wow! That's a 53 minute difference. Runners, being the persistent and competitive creatures we are, have chipped away at that record throughout the years, first by minutes and now by seconds.  Isn't it amazing what a person can accomplish when they relentlessly pursue the prize, train hard for it and refuse to give up?

Let's face it though. No matter how much any of us want it, train for it or pray for it, we will never come close to even tying that record. Does that make us less of a runner? Absolutely not. As a Christian runner, we are set apart. We do not run to break records, acquire medals or gain notoriety. It is simply our job to run the race allowing God to use us for His will. This may mean adjusting our pace at times and forgoing a "worldly prize". But what good is a medal if you have gained it by failing to help or witness to someone in need? 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 says, "Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize." Did you get that part... run to win? eternal prize?  Forgo what the world has to offer and run as fast and hard as you can to win that eternal prize... the one that will never "fade away." - and win others over by our actions to do the same! 

God made us all different, that is certain. We all have different skills, abilities and gifts and we certainly have different paces and endurance levels. But we all have one purpose - the one He specifically designed us individually to complete. Embrace it, knowing it was God given, and whatever your gift or ability, " Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ..." 1 Peter 4:11. Simple as that... our purpose in life, my purpose and yours, is to bring glory to God and win others over to do the same. I'd say that makes us all winners. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts and abilities You have given us. Big or small, I pray that we embrace them and use them to glorify You. I pray that we never discount a gift we feel is too small to be used. Fill us with an urgency to reach the lost and run the race to receive the eternal prize of an eternity spent with You. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

What this world needs - Casting Crowns

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

Good habits are a great start

"Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future." Proverbs 19:20

There was an article published in the July, 2013 edition of Runners World showing the habits of highly effective runners and eaters. It said that people who take up running (and stick with it) and people who lose weight (and keep it off) have at least 7 habits in common. Interestingly enough, these same habits are also what Christians (those that keep the faith throughout their lifetime) have in common as well. Here they are:

1. They have a support network. 

Successful lifetime runners have a family that supports them and friends that share their passion. Successful Christians also need that support from fellow believers to keep them on track and hold them accountable. "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

2. They set goals. 

Setting goals gives you something to continually strive for as a runner. As a Christian, setting goals will encourage you to keep growing in your faith. "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty." Proverbs 21:5

3. They keep track. 

Keeping track of what you eat and how much you run will help you achieve the goals you set. Similarly, being diligent in the care of your body will have you treating it the way God intended. "For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:20

4. They plan ahead. 

Going on vacation? Working late? They purposefully develop a plan for fitting in their run. Don't have time to do your bible study? Take your mp3 and listen to a podcast or the bible on an app. If it's important to you, you will find a way. "Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts." Psalm 119:2

5. They have reasonable expectations. 

Not every workout will be great. You won't always do your training as planned. Don't give up. Take a rest and start again refreshed. Christians aren't perfect. Don't dwell on the mistakes, repent and concentrate on not making them again. "The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again." Proverbs 24:16

6. They are consistent.

To improve at running, you have to put in the miles. Find what works for you to meet your goals and stick to it. To improve your relationship with Christ, you have to spend time in the Word. Take time daily to pray, worship and rest your spirit. "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

7. They see the value. 

Running and eating right should be a priority because of the way it makes you feel. As a Christian, you should see the priceless value of a life spent serving Christ. "Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. " Mark 16:16

There are varying opinions on the time period it takes to form a habit. One thing is certain though, if you do nothing, you will achieve nothing. If you do something long enough, you will see results. What's holding you back from changing your life for the better?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the way our minds, bodies and spirits work together. It's amazing how they strengthen each other. I pray that we would all desire to form new habits or strengthen the ones we have to make our physical and spiritual bodies stronger so that we may serve You better. May everything we do bring You glory and praise. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

I will run to You - Hillsong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdWGLm4zxEA

Leave no doubt

"But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!" Job 19:25-27

Do you know where you're going when you leave this earth? You can run, eat right and stay in great shape your whole life but, the fact of the matter is, you will die...we will all die. While we are not given the time in which we will go, God does give us this promise for all those that believe, "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." John 5:24. Isn't this a wonderful promise?

There's no greater feeling than knowing where you will spend eternity. What peace that knowledge gives! I wonder though, does your family know where you are going? Does the way you live your life and treat your children show that Christ is in your heart? Will they have doubts after you pass? Yesterday afternoon, my mother was rushed by ambulance to the ER with a possible heart attack (will know more as tests are done). I arrived at her house as the Paramedics were administering first aid and getting her ready to be loaded. As we looked each other in the eye, there was no panic, no fear and no tears. There was just an unspoken affirmation we shared that God had everything under control and no matter what the outcome, she and I would reunite someday in Heaven. As I placed my hand on her shoulder, I thanked God for this woman I call Mom, for giving her to me now and for evermore. And, as I climbed into the ambulance before they took her away, we prayed and let God's peace comfort us both.  

So many things in this life are beyond our control. But, the most important thing we can ever do isn't...giving our lives to Christ. And then showing our friends, family and children the peace and joy He has given us so that they will want to do the same. 1 John 2:5-6 says, "But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. "  Let others see Christ in you so vividly that they have no doubt where you will spend eternal life. The peace in knowing that is the greatest inheritance you can leave you children. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that we will spend eternity with You in Heaven if we only believe and follow You here on earth. I pray that those putting off making the decision to accept you as Lord and Savior of their life would do so today. We don't know what tomorrow will bring or if we will even be granted another day, so there is no time to waste. Lord, lead us to the lost so we may be the light they need to find You. In everything we say and do, let us bring You glory. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

I want to live like that - Sidewalk Prophets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0cMVmr11bY

Turn the page

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord," Acts 3:19

Ever heard the phrase "turn the page"? The free dictionary defines it as: to begin to behave in a more positive way after a period of difficulties and/or to stop thinking about or dealing with something. I think that Isaiah 43:18-19 defines the term much better, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” 

M.S. Lowndes, a Christian writer, sums it up perfectly: Don’t be afraid to keep moving on, For what was before, now has gone, God wants to accomplish so much more, But we need to move forward in the Lord. The point is this, the past is the past. It cannot be changed - dwelling on it only keeps us from changing our future. The bible says that once we accept Christ, we are made new, "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" 2 Corinthians 5:17. Talk about turning a page... becoming a new person can be more like turning a chapter! But we CAN do just that through Christ. We can literally put our old life behind us and be given a new beginning (think born again), to be the person God created us to be. We can be a person set free from the sins that held us captive as Romans 6:18 tells us, "Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living."

By accepting Christ, you gain the power to change your life. You have the power, through Him, to "turn the page" and rewrite your story free from sin, addiction and anything else keeping you from being a "new person". God is offering that. Will you accept and follow?

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You would forgive us of our sins and let us start anew. It's amazing to think that a God so powerful as You loves us so intimately and would be willing to forgive us. I pray that those struggling today would feel your love and know that there is nothing they have done that You would not forgive if they come, repent of their sins and allow you to refresh them. Praise you Jesus for loving us so much. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Love like Jesus - Rhett Walker Band
http://vimeo.com/105295191

In His time

"When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his own people, the Israelites. He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian." Acts 7:23-24

This past Sunday, Deena Kastor (age 41) set the female masters world record at the Philadelphia Rock and Roll half marathon at 69:36. Before you try doing the math in your head, that's about a 5 minute mile. In the world of running, the masters division is for those runners over the age of 40. Quite a feat for any person, much less someone in the masters division. So many people seem to have the view that we make our mark on the world when we are young and then sit back and reminisce. It made me laugh to think that Moses was just getting started at the age of 40. Not that his life had been boring before that, quite the opposite. Being raised by Pharaoh's daughter he lived the life of a prince and was "educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians" Acts 7:22. You could say that his first 40 years were spent learning to be important.

He spent his second 40 years learning to be humble. After killing an Egyptian "he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons.“After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai." He then spent his last 40 years leading the Israelites into the promised land. God had been preparing him for this mission for 80 years! At the age of 80, he was finally ready to lead God's people out of Egypt. He had been a somebody, learned to be a nobody and finally realized that he was made to help everybody. Let this be a reminder that God has a plan for all of us. Be patient. If He is not using you, He could be preparing you. 

Whether you're 22 or 52, God has a plan for you if you are willing to follow Him. Regardless of what you have done... through every test, trial and trouble in your life, He has been preparing you. If you are willing to surrender your life to Him, He will use you to lead others to Him, just as He used Moses. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we can all do great things through You and for You, no matter our age. I pray we look back at our past experiences, good and bad, and see that You have been shaping us through them for this very time in our lives. May we continue to serve You for all our days. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Use me too - Johnny Diaz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKa5iM5DTy8

Are you starving?

 

"When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God of Heaven's Armies." Jeremiah 15:16

It's so easy to tell when a child is hungry, tired or simply worn out by the way they behave. They haven't yet learned patience (like so many of us adults, me included) and so will act out until their needs are met. I'm sure this is God's way of making sure that they get their rest and proper nutrition. We use the term "Hangry" in our house to describe this condition of being hungry to the point you are actually irritable and angry - throw tired in the mix and you've got cranky people. Amazing how moods can miraculously improve after eating a pizza or taking a nap. Our bodies were meant to be fed several times a day, every day. The same God that gave us the need to be "physically fed" also gave us the need to be "spiritually fed".  By that definition, the majority of the population is spiritually starving to death!

We wonder why the world seems to be an unfriendly place when the answer is so simple. We live in a world of "hangry" people - people hungry (to the point of starvation) for God's presence in their lives. And yet they don't know what's wrong.  They feed their bodies but neglect to feed their souls and wonder why they aren't happy (the opposite of hangry). Just as we need food to survive, we need Christ to thrive. Deuteronomy 8:3 says, "He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD." There's no amount of food in this world to take away the spiritual "Hangries" - lack of time spent with the Father.

Jesus repeated these words in Matthew 4:4 when he was led into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. After fasting forty days, he said, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." Rather than address his physical need (he had to be starved!) first, He focused on the more important one, the need for us to feast on the Word. We should follow the example and lead others to do the same. What the world is really hungry for can't be found at McDonald's.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the Word to feed our souls. I pray that we would be as mindful of feeding our souls as we do our bodies. Remind us that our bodies will return to dust no matter how great we eat or how often we exercise, but we will have eternal life in Heaven by taking care to feed our souls and be spiritually healthy. I pray that we see that feasting on the Word is more important than anything else. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.


Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

I surrender - Hillsong

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

Being content - the best place to be

"Give me neither poverty nor wealth; feed me with the food I need. Otherwise, I might have too much and deny You, saying, “Who is the LORD? ”or I might have nothing and steal, profaning the name of my God." Proverbs 30:8-9

Ever feel like you can't find the right balance in your life? If you're like me, you're never at a loss for things that need to be done. Let's face it. If we, by some miracle, were able to scratch everything off our "to do" list today, tomorrow would just start it over right? Too much work adds up to no time to run or enjoy our families. Too much family time would leave the bills unpaid and the cupboards empty. Too much money could leave us denying our need for God and too little could have us questioning where God is. The writer of Proverbs 30 was right by saying, "Give me neither poverty or wealth" only "the food I need."

The apostle Paul also talked about balance in our lives when he wrote these words,"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Having or doing too much of anything can be as bad as having or doing too little. Unfortunately, life can change so fast that having too much or too little can depend on the hour or day of the week. As much as we crave balance, life is and will always be inconsistent with it's ups and downs, good times and bad times. The secret to living a balanced life in an unbalanced world is being firmly planted in Christ - the One who is never inconsistent and never changing. You can search for it, work for it, even pray for it but you will never find what you're looking for apart from Him.

Whether you are in need, have more than you need or have been blessed with the perfect balance, rejoice that the Lord knows what we need to live a balanced life. Be content, remembering the words of Paul, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19. Isn't that great news? Getting what we want could only leave us wanting more. Getting only what we need should have us praising more.

"Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen." Philippians 4:20

Heavenly Father, thank You for providing for our needs. And thank You even more for not providing our wants. I pray that we are more satisfied with your presence than your presents. May we be content with just knowing you are with us and never needing more. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

All I need is You - Hillsong United

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iTInN6FH9I

Time out

" Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:15-17

There are days when I would absolutely love to be put in a "time out" - you know that time when your parent realizes that you are in need of a serious attitude adjustment and sits you in a corner to readjust your thinking and behavior? As a child, this discipline seemed unbearable and unfair but, as an adult, it would be awesome. While children get put in a timeout after they have done something wrong, we can choose to put ourselves in one before doing something wrong. By making time to prepare ourselves for what the day may bring, we can choose what our attitude will be - yes, you have that power. We can't always change our circumstances, but we can always change the way we react to them. By taking time out to spend time with Christ, we can put off our old self and become new each and every day, "put off your old self... to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self..." Ephesians 4:22-24. That means taking off our bitterness, anger and doubt from the previous day and replacing it with something so much better. Yes! You can have a renewed attitude every day, a hopeful and happy heart and mind by taking a time out before the day even gets started.

Wouldn't each day be easier and less stressful if you could begin it with a fresh attitude and outlook? You can, we all can. That's what my morning runs are to me. Rain, snow, sleet or shine, I need my "time out" - the time with Christ (alone and uninterrupted) to renew my mind and refresh my soul. It's a time to let God speak to me as I lay out all my fears and regrets of the previous day, allowing Him to give me a renewed attitude to complete the day's assignment. It's a meeting with "the boss" you could say before the work day begins.

You don't need to run, walk or even get out of your pajamas to meet with God. The glory of a timeout is you can take it anywhere.  Make it a point to meet with Him daily and see if your life isn't changed. Yep, that's a challenge.

Heavenly Father, how awesome it is that we can meet with you wherever we are, whatever condition we are in and with any problem that we have. I pray that we would all take time out to come to You daily giving You praise and seeking your direction for our lives. Thank You for being a God that loves us despite our sin and hears us despite our simple prayers. May we begin today and every day meeting with You, leaving our old self at the altar and be made new. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Meet with me - Paul Baloche

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFgox2owHEM

Purposefully shine!

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." Matthew 5:14-16

You've probably heard the term "random act of kindness". You may even have been the giver or receiver of it. Wikipedia defines it as: a selfless act performed by a person or people wishing either to assist or to cheer up an individual person or people. Sounds a lot like 1 Thessalonians 5:11, "So cheer each other up with the hope you have. Build each other up." and Luke 6:31, " Do to others as you would have them do to you." I think any act of kindness or deed done to bless others is a great thing. But, as Christians, shouldn't that be our goal every day? If the dictionary defines random as: chosen without method or conscious decision - wouldn't that mean that random acts of kindness would only be performed at random? What if we practiced purposeful acts of kindness instead? Gestures done on purpose and for a purpose and for no other purpose than to glorify the Lord. You need not look for a way to do this, God will give you the opportunity if you will give Him your obedience.

As my friend and I were checking into our hotel one evening to rest before our morning marathon, we saw a couple in the hallway hauling some very large coolers and holding bags of Peanut M&Ms, which happen to be my favorite. While smiling and making small talk, I joked that they might just have more M&Ms than they could possibly eat and that they would be the perfect fuel for our race the next day. I'm still not sure why they had all that candy, but a bag of those M&Ms (did I tell you they were my favorite?) was in front of our hotel door later that evening. What a pleasant surprise and a reminder to my friend (running her first marathon) that God was sending His love to us (especially to her) in the form of chocolate and peanuts. We returned the act by quietly putting two TEAM 413 bracelets in an envelope in front of their door with a note saying, "Thank you for the M&Ms. May God bless you today for blessing us."  One act of kindness deserves another right? I'd like to think that they needed to be reminded of the message on those bracelets, "Can do through Christ" for whatever they would be facing that day. God is good to bring us reminders of His extraordinary love by using ordinary people.

Remember that what may seem like a small act to you can make a huge impact in someone's life. I have those treasured M&Ms in a jar in my cabinet (hidden from the kids). I eat a few every day (smiling at the memory of the people that left them) thanking God as I do for His grace. And I pray that, as the couple wears their bracelets, they do the same. Never miss an opportunity to show the love of Christ.  By doing so you just may be "entertaining angels." Hebrews 13:2, or showing others the love of Christ as you, "let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Any day you can glorify God is a great day indeed!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the simple things in life that remind us of your great love. You are such an awesome God who is worthy to be praised and glorified in all we do. Thank You, thank You, thank You for loving us enough that You would be purposeful in your kindness towards us. May we live our lives with purpose, be kind on purpose and purposefully live our lives for You. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.


Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Shine - Newsboys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44hWMSlzNU0

Continue to grow

"Instead, continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Messiah. Glory belongs to him both now and on that eternal day! Amen. " 2 Peter 3:18

As I was, yet again, shopping for shoes in a larger size for my daughter, I found myself looking forward to the day when she would stop growing - when she would finally wear out a pair of shoes before she grew out of a pair of shoes.  Don't get me wrong, I'm in no hurry to see her grow up. I would love nothing more than to keep her my little girl forever. As much as I would like that, I know it's just not possible. The day will soon come when her physical growth will stop but I pray she will forever continue to grow in the Word. The bible is clear that all of us, young and old, are to "continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus." But do we ever reach spiritual maturity? Quite simply, no.

Ephesians 4:13-15 says that, "This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ" Wow! There are a lot of benefits in growing more like Him. But if we are to strive to be like Christ, we must strive to grow in Christ. Just like with physical growth, there are certain things we need to do to grow spiritually:

1. Eat well- Feast on the word daily. (Ecclesiastes 7:12)

2. Exercise regularly - Do acts of service. (1 Peter 4:10) 

3. Get plenty of rest - Find peace in Him. (Psalm 4:8)

4. Smile - Rejoice in your blessings, big and small. (Philippians 4:4)

Each day is a blessing. It's another chance to love your children, grow in the love of Christ and to be a blessing to someone. Enjoy it, be thankful for it and make the most of it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for all You have given us. I pray that we would strive to grow more like You every day. I pray that we would not be satisfied simply staying in our "comfort zones". We were made for so much more than we could ever imagine and we can do so much more than we ever dreamed if we would only choose to follow You and do everything through and for You. We were made to thrive. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

We were made to thrive - Casting Crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ71RWJhS_M

Avoid stumbling

"When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble." Proverbs 4:12

I have yet to meet a runner (especially one who runs trails) that has not fallen at least once. Sometimes it's due to stepping the wrong way or hitting a rock. Other times from being too tired and shuffling one's feet. Whatever the cause, stumbling is an inevitable part of logging miles. Wouldn't it be great to run and never stumble though? Unfortunately, in the world of running, that's not a possibility. But God gives us instruction on how not to stumble in our walk with Him. Wisdom is the key, "I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths...Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well for it is your life." Proverbs 4:11-13. If instruction is life, and wisdom leads us along straight paths, the key to avoid stumbling is to carefully and daily read God's word.

Proverbs 4:26-27 further tells us how to avoid the pitfalls that may cause us to falter, "Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or to the left; keep your foot from evil". In other words, think about what you're doing before you do it. If it's not in line with God's word, avoid it at all costs - if it is, do it without waver and/or compromise. Stay focused on Christ and His will for your life - avoid a second glance at what the world offers you. Keep your foot from evil - notice it doesn't say feet? If you let one foot in, the other will follow. Don't get sidetracked on detours that may lead to sin. Be steadfast in all your ways!

"The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day." Proverbs 4:18. It's not hard to find the right path, God's word and instruction is there "like the morning sun shining ever brighter". The hard part is making the decision to trust and follow Him. The harder part is letting go of your plans to follow His. If you're on a route today that isn't leading you to eternal life, maybe it's time to change the one navigating it? It's your decision, and only yours... you can choose to follow Christ and let Him "lead you along straight paths" or go your own way and let the world lead you in the other direction.

Heavenly Father, I pray that today we would all choose to let You lead us along the straight path. Following you doesn't guarantee us a life free from trouble but it does mean that we have a personal God who will instruct and guide us along the way, through this life,  to keep us from stumbling. Thank You for loving us so much that You would be with us every step. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

"You can have all this world, just give me Jesus."

Give me Jesus - Jeremy Camp

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

Azalea Half Marathon

 "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deed." Hebrews 10:24

Today was the 2nd Azalea Half Marathon, a race to "benefit the Nixa Azalea Festival Association whose efforts go to improve the Nixa community and the development of botanical gardens in the county."  What a fabulous race!  The weather was absolutely heaven sent...the best running conditions you could ask for.  The low of 47 was a great start to the day and, by race start it was into the 50's. It was certainly a day that Personal Records could be achieved.  There were 5 of us girls from TEAM 413 attending, with one doing her first half marathon.

Very chilly start to the day as we shed our coats and waited for the race to start. Everyone finished with a great time and injury free - definitely a reason to celebrate.

Nervous and anxious, Cindy and Laura are prayed up and trained up as they talk on the way to the starting line. It was Cindy's first half marathon and Laura had been her "coach". They did the Galloway run/walk method and were ready to have an awesome finish. Their goal was to complete the course in under 3 hours (which they did!). 

What a mix of terrain as we went from a flat course to rolling hills to trail and then back again. This out and back course was a treat with the alternating variations. The water stations were well stocked and so friendly. The one thing I love about out and back courses is the chance for runners to lift each other up. Friends with different paces get to see one another as they pass and cheer each other on when they need it most.

The mother of all hills was at mile 5 - and she was a big one. Once conquered, the remaining "rolling hills" were friendly and a welcome sight. Amazing how, when confronted by and overcoming a huge obstacle, the rest of "the race" appears easy. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Love how He gives us hills to climb to show His strength and faithfulness.

Cindy (on right) after finishing her first half marathon. Something she thought she would never be able to do, with Laura (her coach) smiling on.

With praise on our lips and thankfulness in our hearts, we smiled and gave God the glory for this finish. What a blessing to have the air in our lungs and the strength in our legs to run "the good race".

The medals were amazingly large and this small town race was beyond expectation. It was an absolutely delightful experience for all of us and, God willing, one we will repeat next year.  God is good, His grace is undeserved and we are blessed. Woohoo! What a great day!!! This race is one we will mark down as a "must do".  

Heavenly Father, thank You for a most wonderful day. Thank You for your presence on the course and for keeping us all safe today. And thank You for the granting us such beautiful weather. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

From trash to Treasure

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Have you ever heard the saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure"? It simply means that what one person thinks is rubbish, another person may think is precious. It's all in how you look at things I suppose. Unfortunately, I think it's the same with God's blessings. What one person views as a gift from God, another person may not even take notice of. Take, for instance, opening your eyes this morning. Did you immediately thank God for the blessing of another day? When you reached for your morning coffee, did you thank Him for the the money that let you buy it? When you turned the ignition in your car to go to work and the car started, did you thank Him for your job and the car that took you there? And when trials come, do you thank Him for being there through it all? When the storms come, do you thank him for being your refuge?

God didn't have to give us any of these things. He chose to. Out of His great love for us, He chose to give us the good things we have. And, out of that same love, He chose to be with us in the bad times we go through. They are all blessings...depending on your point of view. Are you looking at things with your mind or your heart? Matthew 5:8 says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." To see your blessings, you have to see God. And to see Him clearly, we have to be pure in heart and the only way we can be truly pure in heart is to give our lives to Jesus and ask Him to do the cleansing work. Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”  

If you're not seeing the blessings in your life, glasses aren't what you need. It's a relationship with Christ you desire - a pure heart, a cleansing from the inside. Proverbs 23:7 says, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." The heart is the center of who we are and what determines our actions and our attitudes. Thank God that being pure doesn't mean being perfect though. That's something none of us will ever be able to do. It simply means focusing on and following Christ with all we have (all our heart) and being grateful (a thankful heart) for all He has done... especially the small things, for "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much." Luke 16:10. Smile, give thanks, and watch how "trash" turns into "Treasure". 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the all the things you have given us out of your great love. Not because of anything we have done or could ever do have You have done this, but because of your great love for us. What a blessing to have a Father who gives good gifts to his children. May we acknowledge all You have done, be grateful for it and sing your praises from the rooftops Lord. May we keep a song of praise for You on our lips as we say thanks for all You have done and continue to do in our lives. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Give thanks with a grateful heart- Dan Moen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAo2iZ9vWHg

Never forget

"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

If you knew that today would be your last day, how would you spend it? If you were unsure of what would happen after your passing and where you would spend eternity, today would you search for answers? As we mourn those that lost their lives on 9/11/01, it's an important question to ask. The events of that day are another reminder that we are not guaranteed tomorrow and that only those who follow Christ will enter Heaven.  James 4:14 says, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." and John 3:3 tells us that, " unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  When horrible things happen, the majority of people instinctively turn to Christ. Once the moment passes, they instinctively return to their old lives. What will it take for God to get our attention?

"After 9/11 we had 20-some odd thousand people show up," said Senior Pastor Ed Young. "The largest crowd in the history of Fellowship Church. By some estimates, on the Sunday following the terror attacks roughly half of the adult population in the United States attended a religious service. But the attendance dropped off starting in November. According to Barna Research, a polling firm that specializes in religious data, religious activity is back to just about what it was before the attacks. George Barna of Barna Research expressed amazement at the outcome of the study. He went into the project expecting to see a lasting spiritual impact following the attacks, he said, and was very surprised to find that people had gone back to the way they were spiritually before Sept. 11. Young attributes the initial attendance spike to human nature. "I think when we are riddled with fear, when things fall apart around us especially when we are struck at the heart of who we are, people suddenly respond and they're turning to God and asking those deep questions in an even deeper way," he said." http://www.foxnews.com/story/2002/09/11/church-attendance-back-to-normal/

"When things are going bad we want to turn to God and want to get right with him and we want to attend to church," Young said. "When things level out we tend to forget the most important things and drift away." Don't wait for the next "bad thing" to happen. Give your life to Christ today and know that, no matter what happens in this life, we are guaranteed eternal life in the next one. Don't stop there though... make it your mission to tell others. ""Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him." Luke 8:39......Be that man or person that changes a life today!

Heavenly Father, I pray that our country would once again be "one nation under God". I pray that we would turn to You, confess our sins, seek your face and turn from our wicked ways. Oh Lord, how we pray that You would heal our land beginning with us. May each of us turn to You, trust in You and tell others about You that they might do the same. Thank you for giving us the peace only you can give to know that, regardless of what happens today, tomorrow or the next, we will one day spend eternity with You. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

I promise you God was there that day......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qARh0McieiM

Find your rest

"God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.  So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and mountains fall into the ocean depths;  even if the seas roar and rage, and the hills are shaken by the violence." Psalm 46:1-2

In this troubled world, you need not look far to see someone struggling. Unfortunately, being a Christian doesn't exempt you, me or anyone else from our share of trials, tribulations and daily battles. In fact, Jesus was very clear that we would all go through hard times when he was speaking to His disciples about things to come and said, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33.

How true it is that we will all face trials and sorrows - yes, even the most faithful Christians won't have a trouble free life. This world, with it's many good things, is still a world full of sin and a world without Christ. It offers the allure that beauty, wealth and possessions will make us happy. But, unlike what we will experience in Heaven, beauty fades, wealth can be lost and possessions either rot, rust or decay or are left to others after our passing. Relying on the things of this world to provide your happiness will only leave you empty and unfulfilled. And worse yet, turning to those things in the midst of a struggle will only leave you empty, alone and hurting more. God has promised to be our "shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble." Rather than trying to run away from "our problems", we should be running to "our solution".

Whatever you are facing right now, take heart because He has overcome the world. Isn't that an awesome thought? There is nothing you are facing right now, at this moment, where you are, that takes God by surprise. He created you. He loves you and only He offers the peace you need. If you have been trying to run away from all the pain in your life only to wake up to another day facing it, maybe it's time to turn around and run to the Healer, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3.  What a promise! 

Heavenly Father, thank You for caring about us. Thank You for comforting us when our hearts are broken and we have nothing but questions about our situation. Thank You for holding us when we are falling apart. Thank You for healing us when we feel we can't go on. And thank You for being with us through it all. We love and adore you Lord. I pray that those who are lost, hurt and searching would find You and stop running from the past and the pain and run straight into your arms. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. -Jesus

Running to You - Newsboys

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

Free to move about the cabin

"but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm." Proverbs 1:33

"You're free to move about the cabin". I heard that several times yesterday as I spent most of the day traveling home by plane. At the sound of the pilots voice and instructions, the passengers knew it was now safe to unbuckle their seat belts and move around.  They instinctively trusted the pilot since they knew he was the one flying the plane and in charge of getting them to where they were going. The pilot has a different view than the passengers and knows when we need to remain "buckled in" and when it is safe to leave our seats.

God is our ultimate Pilot. He knows where we need to be, when we need to be there and how to keep us safe along the journey. Just as in choosing a destination to fly though, following God is a choice. We can choose to trust Him, listening to His instructions for our life or we can choose to follow our own path hoping it leads to something or somewhere good. I personally don't think I'm smart enough to plan something that important and I'm certainly not wise enough to choose the right path. None of us are if we are honest. Thankfully, unlike the pilot, who operates only by gauges and what he sees in front of him, God can see everything perfectly- He knows our future, the ultimate plan for our lives and the best path to get there. "For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Following Christ is the only way we can be assured to reach our final destination. But it begins with a choice. Will you choose to follow or find your own way? "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."  Jeremiah 29:12-13. You hold the ticket...it's your choice.

Heavenly Father,  thank You for loving us so much that You would care to guide us and instruct us as we travel life's path. You have promised to keep us safe from harm if we would only seek you with our whole hearts. I pray that those that don't know You will seek You today and search for the path You would have them follow. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

So help me God - DC Talk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk5ULQ9kSYY