The picture

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25

Pastor Mark Morrison, his daughter Grace and Luke at the finish line

A picture is worth a thousand words, or so the saying goes. As explained by Wikipedia, it refers to the notion that a complex idea can be conveyed with just a single still image. This picture was captured at the end of a 50 mile race last Saturday. It is a picture of love, friendship and most importantly, the grace and unfailing love of God. With 15 miles left to go in the race, I began praying. I was tired. Everything that could have gone wrong had gone wrong and I just wanted to be finished. I prayed that, by some miracle, God would send someone to run with me.

Have you ever prayed those prayers? The desperate ones you really don't think will be answered but you do it anyway? My friends (who ran the shorter distances offered) had long since finished their own races and were probably home by now I told myself, just keep going. As the miles passed by and fatigue became my newest companion, the prayers increased. Lord, please help me. I couldn't believe my eyes as I neared the final water station! There stood the Morrison family smiling and cheering me on as I fought back the tears. My prayers were indeed answered as Luke ran the last five miles with me.

When the rest of the family joined us to cross the finish line, I felt a renewed strength and a renewed spirit. God cared enough to answer a prayer from a trail deep in the woods. And He cares so much for you and me that He gave us friends... friends whose actions say more than a thousand words ever could. Oh praise God for caring friends. If you are blessed with them, won't you take a moment to tell them today? 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many many blessings you have given us. We have the freedom to join together wherever we may be to worship You. Let us never take that for granted. Remind us that Godly friendships are a gift from you to motivate and encourage one another. Remind us to cherish them and to remind our friends often that they are loved and appreciated. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

This is amazing Grace - Phil Wickham

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFRjr_x-yxU

From L-R (Matthew, Jackie, Pastor Mark, Luke, Gracie)

The extra mile

If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Matthew 5:4

As runners, we all know what it means to run a mile. Most of us even know how long that will take.  But, do we know what it means to go the "extra mile"? In Jesus' day, Roman soldiers had the authority to force civilians to carry their loads. However, Roman law said that a person only had to do this service for one mile and then he was free to go. Back then, the mile was measured in steps, one thousand to be exact. And you could probably bet they counted every one of them. When they got to one thousand, they stopped.... done and not one step more.

As degrading, hard and unappreciated as that was, why would Jesus ask them to carry it another mile then? Because, as followers, we are to give those that ask of us more than what is asked of us. And by doing so, demonstrating the love of Christ to others...the same love that held Him on the cross for people that did far worse than any Roman soldier. People like you and me.

You see, there are certain things that are required of us. They are the first mile. What we do next is the "extra mile", the one that sets us apart as believers. The mile we walk, not because we have to, but because we want to. Because that's what Christ would do, wouldn't He?

Heavenly Father, thank you for going the extra mile and dying for our sins.  Please help us to be a blessing to someone else today by going the extra mile and, by doing so, show your love to others. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

The extra mile - Laura Pausini

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MffssEEhgk

Delete history

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:13

Are you a runner who likes to track your runs? Maybe you even keep a spreadsheet listing where, when and how far you ran? If you also carry your smartphone along, there's good news for you in case you missed a run or two. In a report aired yesterday by NBC news titled, "Your smartphone may be tracking your every move" it was shown how our phones can now, without our knowledge, get and save information of everywhere we have been. Even where we had lunch a year ago. That might be great news for some people, but a real cause of concern for others. If all the places you have visited in the last year were displayed on a screen for all to see, would you be nervous?

If we're honest, most of us would say that there are things in our life, maybe even things that we do that we would like to keep hidden. Things we would be too ashamed or embarassed to admit to anyone. But the bible tells us that "nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight" and that we will all, every one of us, have to give an account of the things we have done or said. And, yes, even for the places we have gone or traveled to in our mind.

Luckily, the report went on to show how a person can turn this feature off and completely erase the location history. Oh praise God that He has done the same for us. Acts 3:19 tells us how, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord". As easy as that, we too can have a clear history and a fresh start. We can be flawless. Now that would make a great headline!

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us. Thank you for blessing us with the forgiveness we do not deserve. The forgiveness you offered by sending your son to die on the cross for us. Help us to repent of our sins and live a life we would not embarrassed to be "laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Mercy Me - Flawless

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ7EyPTOltw

Which path?

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

If you had to sign up for a race, would you intentionally pick the hardest one? Would you choose the one with the most grueling conditions, no determined finish line, no earthly reward and no fanfare or recognition? Would you run a race that might even cost you your life? Of course you wouldn't. That would be crazy. But when we decide to follow Christ, that's exactly what we do. In Matthew 16:24, "Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."

Being a disciple requires more than just believing in Christ, we have to live for Him every day no matter the cost and no matter how hard it may be.  Doing that is easy when the race is short and life runs moothly. But life is not free from troubles and trials. In fact, one look at the evening news is proof of that. There's no doubt that being a believer will require more commitment than ever before. The bible tells us that we will have trouble in this life but it also tells us that we need not worry because Jesus has overcome the world. 

When the race gets hard, will you give up and take the easy road? Or will you choose to take up your cross and follow him? Only one path will lead you to Heaven. What will you choose?

Heavenly Father, thank you for dying on the cross to save us from our sins. Thank you for promising to be with us through the trials and troubles of this world. Help us to remember that this race will be hard but there is a priceless reward awaiting those who finish it. Give us the strength, Lord, every day to take up our cross and follow you to the end. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

I give you my life - Larry Macon Jr. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-04ejWQ7yo

Frisco Railroad Run 2015

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

From L-R(Jim McDermott, Luke Morrison, me, Mark Morrison, Gracie Morrison, Matthew Morrison, Jackie Morrison, Sandra Ortiz)

Saturday, March 25th, was set to be a beautiful day for a race as I was, along with several other members of TEAM413, ready to join others in pursuit of the finish line. With five distances offered, 8k, 13.1, 26.2, 50k or 50 miles, there was a race for everyone and we all chose our favorite (50 miles for me).  It was to take place on the Frisco Highline Trail described as a "scenic path through southwest Missouri's past and present." In 1948 Harry Truman rode the 36 mile track from Springfield to Boliver and back in a campaign to get him re-elected. The tracks are now gone (with a few markers showing where they once were if you look carefully) and are replaced with crushed gravel absolutely perfect to run on.

Since each distance was an out and back, requiring a turnaround, the 50 mile course allowed a runner to travel through the woods and pastures on the historic path for a full 25 miles. I was blessed to journey the first 25 miles with one of my best friends and planned to listen to music on the way back for the last 25. What a blessing it was to find that my music player was dead! It truly was a blessing, as I would have missed the sounds of nature all around me. And what a beautiful melody it was. Even so, with only 29 runners completing the race, the woods became a very solitary place very quickly after the turnaround as I was left alone with my thoughts and many miles yet to go.

From miles 15-35, the aid stations were five miles apart giving a runner long moments of solitude... moments when despair and anxiety can easily set in. Those moments when the mind, if left unguarded, can quickly turn to negative thoughts. But scripture tells us not to be anxious about anything, to pray about everything, and to give thanks as we present those prayers to God. He then will grant us incomprehensible peace that will protect our hearts and minds. Keeping that promise close, I continued on in silent devotion, step by step praying simple prayers. Lord, help me make it to the next water station. Thank you Jesus, please help me make it to the next water station and so on, all the while praising Him for the ability to keep moving forward.

Too often I can pray for the big things (Lord, just get me straight to the finish line) and miss the opportunity to bask in his presence along the journey. As I individually prayed for each mile to pass, I had at least 50 reasons to praise him and give him thanks. After nine hours of running, I was certainly thankful to see the finish line but I was even more grateful for each of the 50 reasons I could offer thanksgiving and praise along the way.  What are you grateful for today?

Heavenly Father, thank you for walking with us every day. Thank you for hearing the small prayers and the big ones Lord. Help us to remember that by praying for and giving thanks for the little things, we can strengthen and build our relationship with you. And thank you Lord for being there in the times when we are all alone and reminding us that you are there. And because of that, we need not be anxious about anything... even a 50 mile race.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

All I can do, Thank You - Mike's Chair

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1OE53ZMApQ

So thankful to have a God loving friend to share the journey. 

Talk about blessings. Luke Morrison paced me the last 5 miles as his family joined to celebrate God's grace by joining us as we crossed the finish line. Thank you Lord!

Blessed by these guys. 

Luke Morrison ran the half (plus 2 miles as he missed the turnaround) and came back hours later to help me get through the last 5 miles. I couldn't have been more thankful. God is truly good. 

Children of God

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." 1 John 3:1

While speaking to my son Luke about his track meet, I told him that I was very proud of him and that I really enjoyed watching him run. To which he responded, "But why Mom? I did terrible." I told him that my love for him was not, nor would never be, based upon his performance. And because he did his best, I was proud no matter where he placed in the race. God's love for us is much the same. But too many times we walk around feeling unworthy of that love because we didn't win, didn't get the promotion or didn't live up to someone's expectations of us. We doubt God's love for us saying, "But why God? I did terrible."

Nowhere in the bible does it say that we have to be perfect to receive His perfect love for us. In fact, Romans 5:8 tells us that, "God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." and John 1:12 says "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--"  His love for us is not based on our accomplishments. He loves us because we have received him, believed in his name and are now "his children". 

If you have never experienced this kind of unconditional love, it is available to all those who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It will certainly be the best decision you will ever make. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us at our worst and for sending your son Jesus to die on the cross for sinners like me. I pray that anyone wanting to become a child of God would simply pray this prayer: Father, I know I am a sinner. I am sorry for the things I have done and I ask for forgiveness. I confess that you are the one true God and I accept you as my Lord and Savior right now. Thank you Jesus for making me one of your dearly loved "children". It's in your most precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Third Day - Children of God

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9RqVRBtjM4

Write your story

"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out." Proverbs 10:9

If you were watching the news a week ago, you may have seen the story headlined, "St. Louis Marathon winner disqualified because she never ran the race." It seems Kendall Schler jumped in after the last checkpoint and then ran across the finish line just in time to break the winners tape, have her photo taken with Jackie Joyner Kersee and then fade into the background. As her story unfolded, it was found that Schler took third in the same race in 2014 qualifying for Boston. Upon further examination, there was no proof she ever ran that race either and her invitation to run the Boston Marathon was revoked.

In this world, it seems rare to see someone rightly punished for "breaking the rules''. Murderers go free every day, those that prey on the weak seem to never get caught and people that steal to become rich enjoy the things they can buy. People cheat, steal and lie because they don't fear the consequences of their actions. But 2 Corinthians 5:10 tells us this, "For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body." And I can assure you that whatever we receive for our actions in this world will be nothing compared to what we will receive in the next-whether that be good or bad. The best news is that today, right where you are and no matter what you have done, you can make a fresh start. We all can. 1 John 1:9 gives us this promise, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Isn't that the best news you have ever heard? It's news certainly worthy of a headline. How would your headline read if your story was written at this very moment? Let today be the day you let Jesus rewrite that headline and the story that follows it.

Heavenly Father, thank You for your grace and forgiveness. Thank You for giving us chance after chance and forgiveness after forgiveness for the things we do to mess up our lives. Help us to forgive others and use every opportunity to love others in the same way you have loved and forgiven us. May our compassion be the beacon that leads them to you Lord, the only One who can change lives. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Write your story - Francesca Battistelli

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

They will know we are Christians

"You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?" Matthew 7:16

If a person were to put on a pair of running shoes, would you call them a runner? If they looked the part, running shorts and all and proclaimed to be one, would you believe it to be so? Far too often, the answer would be yes. Without ever having seen them run a race, most of us would probably judge them by their appearance and take them at their word, don't you think? We seem to do the same when we call someone a Christian (that someone even might be ourselves). They may look the part and proclaim it to be so, but who are they really? John Wooden once said that, “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.” And how true that is.

100 yards from the finish line at the Boston Marathon, three women did what few people would ever do.... they stopped to help a fellow runner. They had run the race, they had run 26.1 miles and they were tired. They were set to cross the finish line and then they spotted a runner who had fallen. Instinctively, and without pause, my friend who captured the moment on camera said, one runner stopped to help, then another and another until three women were linked arm in arm with the fallen runner helping her to cross the finish line. They could have passed her by and no one would have judged them. In the crowd of many, it would most likely have gone unnoticed anyway, but the bible tells us this about Christians, "You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act." This is especially true when no one is watching, wouldn't you say?

The world will truly know we are Christians more by the way we act than by our words. Like these women, are we willing to sacrifice our goals to surrender to the will of God? When no one is watching, will we show the love and compassion of Christ?

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to be the example of the love and compassion that we should always be ready to show others. Help us to be so filled with the Spirit that we can't help but do the right thing when no one is watching. May we always remember that any prize received on earth can not compare with the eternal prize we will receive in Heaven achieved only by putting your will before ours every step of the race. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

They will know we are Christians - Jars of Clay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyHvO4xoEh4

*Thank you to Corey Stark for taking these pictures and sharing them. 

Hope changes everything

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," 1 Peter 3:15

As I was watching the Boston Marathon yesterday, my friend remarked that the process was like "watching the paint peel." "Oh no," I told her, "this is exciting. You just don't understand." As I joyfully explained more, she began to take an interest in it. Later that day at work, I was asked questions about the race. People wanted to know what all the fuss was about, how long a marathon actually was, why anyone would want to run one and so on. To each question, I was ready with an answer. I knew the answers because I knew about running. I know about running because I do it every day and I love it. Which got me to thinking.....

If I were asked about my faith, why I believe and what I believe, would I have those answers as well? Absolutely. And why? Because I know Him. I think about Him every day, every minute and every hour because I love Him. I am by no means a bible scholar, just as I am not an expert on running. But I know what I believe in because I have read it in the Word, spent time in prayer and learned what it means to call him Friend. We may only have one opportunity to give an answer to someone "who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." The answer to that, your answer,  might very well determine where they spend eternity. Are you ready to give that answer?

If you're not, you might very well be missing the opportunity to tell someone the most important words they will ever hear, "Jesus loves you. He died for you and He wants to give you eternal life if you will only believe." Take time to prepare, read and study the Word often, so that you will indeed be ready "to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."

Heavenly Father, thank You for the great things you have given us. Things so great and wonderful that we should want to share it with others. Give us a yearning to learn and study your Word that we might always be prepared to give an answer to someone looking for the hope that we have... a hope that changes everything. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Hope changes everything - Newsong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jQiuZdOvbM

Praise Him in Boston

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Patriots Day to a runner means only one thing... the Boston Marathon. Every year since 1897, runners have dreamed of one day lining up at Main Street in Hopkinton, Massachusetts to run 26.2 miles alongside thousands of other runners through the streets of Boston. And today will be no different as 30,000 runners will participate in the 119th running of the "coveted" Boston Marathon. While most participants will simply enjoy running the race they worked so hard to get to, Meb Keflezighi will be competing to win yet again. In 2014, he became the first American to win the Boston Marathon in 30 years. And his outspoken love for Christ has won the hearts of thousands of Christian runners since. His social media pages loudly proclaim what he believes, " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Meb was one of 11 children in a family that came to the United States in 1987 from war-torn Eritrea. He began running while in junior high school and discovered that he could run fast. When asked about his running he said, "My God-given talent was discovering when I could run 5:20. Not everyone can run 5:20. ... I was definitely gifted, but I have to work hard." Hard work and faith in God is what brings him to Boston once again. In an interview prior to the race, he said this, "Regardless of where we finish, in the marathon, we all go the same journey. Whether we’re different genders, different ethnicities, we are all runners.” 

Yes, we are all runners. Whether we run a 5 minute mile or a 13 minute mile, we are all runners. Whether we have been to Boston or only dream about it, we are all runners. Whether we have run 3 miles or 26.2 miles, we are all runners. Whatever gift we have been given though, let us use it to glorify God and to be a witness to those around us. Let us all be Christian runners. Oh, and won't you join me in saying "Go Meb!" as we praise God's name here and in Boston today. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessings you have given us. Thank you for the gift you have given us that allows us to be a witness for you, whatever that gift might be. Help us to remember that you have chosen and designed each of us specifically for the race that we will run today. Give us the strength today and every day, Lord, to do all things that we may glorify you through them. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

All things through Christ - Ernest Pugh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfs3Ej9LfTk

My hiding place

"For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock." Psalm 27:5

Wow, someone really turned up the heat yesterday. By the time I got to run in the afternoon, it almost felt like a summer day. Needless to say, I was ready for some shade as I ducked into a place I knew would provide it... one of my favorite trails. Situated alongside the Roubidoux River, surrounded by trees and foliage and alive with the songs of nature, the peacefulness of stepping into this "sanctuary" was comforting. God's presence was there in the coolness of the air and the softness of the dirt my feet landed on. It was there in the smells of spring and the sound of the flowing water. In the midst of the unexpected heat of the day, it was my very own hiding place.

Life has a way of turning up the heat when you least expect it too, doesn't it? Everything seems to be going well and then you get that pink slip, that x-ray report or the phone call that changes your life. It's during those times that it is more important than ever to know where your "sanctuary" is. It's important because when you know where it is, you can run to it immediately when troubles abound. In Psalm 32:7, the psalmist tells us this, "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." Sounds beautiful doesn't it?

Where is that place for you? When troubles come and life turns up the heat, do you know where to go for rest? There is only one place that can restore your soul, comfort your heart and provide the strength you need to carry on... and that is resting safely in the arms of Jesus... the ultimate hiding place.

Heavenly Father, thank you for being our hiding place and our sanctuary in times of trouble. Thank you for being the place we can go to when we are burdened, scared, fearful, weak, worried or in need of rest and strength. Thank you for always being there Lord. Thank you for being our Father and our friend who cares so deeply for us that you would provide us a place of refuge in the storms of life. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org 

You are my hiding place - Selah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dR0H0tAYT8

For future generations

"He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children,so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children." Psalm 78:5-6

It would probably come as no surprise if I told you that I love to run, would it? You could say that I have loved it since the day I discovered it. You see, my father was a runner. As I was growing up, I watched him and the joy he got from the sport. I loved the stories he would tell me about what happened on his runs... how far he had traveled and what he had experienced. It seemed, to a child, that running was something that made a person happy. After all, he was always happiest when he would return. As much as I am grateful to my father for inspiring me to embrace this gift, I wish he had taken the same time and effort to teach me about Jesus. Perhaps he didn't teach me because he couldn't though... because it wasn't on his heart?

The bible is very clear about our job as parents. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Our first priority is, and should always be, to have our hearts set on God. It's only then that we can teach our children about Him. If we don't know Him personally and know his commandments, we certainly can't impress them upon our children.

Just like with running though, it's never too late to get started. If you haven't told your children about Christ and his commandments yet, do it today. Tell them about the things that really matter so that, "the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children." What a way to change the world... one generation at a time. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your instructions that help us raise a future generation of believers. Help us, as parents, to never compromise or water down our faith so that our children will not only hear about God and his commandments but so they may see them lived out. Help us Lord, to be the Godly parents you have called us to be. Help us to remember that being that Godly parent doesn't mean we need to be perfect, we only need to be actively running after you each and every day.  It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

For future generations - 4Him

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_T9d9vqbZY

Don't forfeit the race

"But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them." Numbers 20:12

This is the stuff of runners' nightmares... you've run a great race, you're finishing strong with the finish line in view and then it happens. You trip and fall. The race is over. Unfortunately, it's a scenario played out too many times in our spiritual lives. And no one is immune to it. Moses was, by all accounts, one of the most faithful servants of God. Exodus 33:11 even says that, "the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend." There is no doubt that Moses was a personal friend of God and a devout follower throughout his lifetime.  You could easily say that he was running a great race...but then it happened.

Just before he was to enter "the promised land", Moses took his eyes off the finish line. The bible tells us that the Lord commanded Moses to take his staff and speak to the rock so it would pour out water for the Israelites to drink. Moses did as he was told and took the staff from the Lord's presence. And then..."He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank." (Numbers 20:10-11).

They got water, so what went wrong? Moses was commanded to speak to the rock, he instead struck the rock. He didn't give God the glory but claimed it for himself when he said, "must we bring you water out of this rock?". He was so close to entering the promised land but, in response to his disobedience was told, "you will not bring this community into the land I give them." In a moment, it was over. The race was done. He had tripped and fallen. My friends, even the small stuff will trip us up if we aren't careful. Don't forfeit your race.

Heavenly Father, thank you, thank you, thank you for the examples that you show us in your Word that we can make mistakes and be forgiven. Moses may not have been the one to lead the people into the promised land, but we can rest assured that he made it into "the promised land" and is residing with You in heaven. When we get off course Lord, lead us back that we might finish the race and claim the prize awaiting us. And when we trip and fall, Lord, be there to discipline us and set us straight that we might not forfeit the race altogether. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Running to you - Newsboys

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

Overwhelmed

"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

When speaking to a friend about the marathon she ran Sunday, she expressed her disappointment in not accomplishing the goal time she had set for herself. When I suggested God might have been using her, she said she hadn't thought of it that way and was glad to hear those words.  Her "overwhelming knee pain" as she described it, might simply have been God's way of slowing her down enough to be an encouragement to another runner. And, amazingly enough, she said that the pain was now gone. 

Every day,  many of us get completely overwhelmed by the worries of this world when we should instead be completely overwhelmed at God's power and ability to either remove our trials, give us peace in the midst of them... or even use us through them. The bible tells us that He goes before us, is with us and will never leave us. That promise is not just for this moment or this day my friend, it is forever. Matthew 28:20 says, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Don't let the problems of this world overwhelm you any longer. Do not fear or be dismayed but rest on the promise that He is with us to the end of the age... today, tomorrow and always. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the promise that you will be with us and never forsake us. Thank you for ridding us of any reason to be fearful or distressed. Help us to remember that problems can't overwhelm us if your spirit is overwhelmingly present in us. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org 

Overwhelmed - Big Daddy Weave

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6oxXwRWFTo

St. Louis Marathon 2015

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Yesterday was the 15th Anniversary of the St. Louis Marathon. The course had been changed and now boasted the motto "Flatter, Faster, Two Bridges, Two States." And it was, in one word.... amazing! By God's grace, this was my fifth time to run the marathon and the new course was well worth the wait. It was everything it was advertised to be and even better. The two bridges (the Eads and MLK) gave a spectacular view of the Mississippi River and it was indeed flatter and faster as it brought the runners through Missouri and Illinois. The added 3.5 mile Bridge Challenge (from one bridge to the other) was a good incentive for most of the runners to pick up the pace. It offered an additional medal to the person traversing the "race within the race" the quickest.

As a member and representative of TEAM413 (the world's largest ministry of endurance athletes), I was blessed to have spent the two days prior to the race at the St. Louis Marathon expo. I love talking to the people that attend as much as I love running the race. While most say they run for fun, to stay fit or for medals, there's some that run to cope with tragedy, illness or even death. These are the stories that inspire me. One such gentleman, Ryan Walker, was "that one story"-he was not a runner (yet) but there to support one. I watched his peculiar gait (quite obviously unable to move his left side) as he walked slowly by our booth and then turned around. As he stopped and asked questions, I told him what we were all about. When he asked if you had to be a runner or endurance athlete to be a member, I replied, "No. Endurance is how you define it. It may, for some, be a marathon and for others a simple walk to the mailbox. It's simply enduring something you thought you could never do because you found the power through Christ to do it." "Well then, I want to buy a shirt and be a member," he told me. And then he shared his story....

At the age of 16, Ryan had a brain aneurysm that ruptured (fatal in 40% of all cases, 66% of survivors suffer permanent damage). As he was taken into surgery his parents were told that he probably would not survive, and if he did would be unable to care for himself or live a normal life. They, along with their church, faithfully prayed and he came out of surgery. That was 2007. Ryan is now a 24 year old man with a job, living on his own and praising God for the event that forever changed his life. He explained how it was important for him to work out every day to keep the mobility he had. He shared that he was excited at the thought of wearing his new shirt at the gym and that he wanted to be a bold witness to others of the great things Christ has done, and is doing, in his life.

And then Ryan said something that I will never forget, "I'm glad this happened. I am the person I am because of it and I know, with absolute certainty, that God is real because of what I went through." As he walked away, I cried. Oh Lord, thank you for turning trials into triumphs. And thank you for the reminder that your power is made perfect in our weakness to bring glory to your name. And thank you that You are real!

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many, many blessings in our lives. Thank you for the trials too Lord, the things that are hard to endure at this moment but will serve to strengthen our faith and bring praise and glory to your name after we have persevered. Give us your strength in our weakness that we might surrender all to you and know, with certainty, that God is real! It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Power of your love - Hillsong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga6Qtxzd6vk

The good portion

"Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

Competition can be a great thing for runners trying to get faster, run longer or simply improve their skills. Watching the opposition, especially those who have more strength, speed and discipline can be a great learning tool. But when it comes to our relationship with Jesus, we should never welcome any person or thing that might compete with our devotion to God. 

The story of the sisters, Martha and Mary, illustrates how differently each reacted to the presence of Jesus. While Martha welcomed him into her house, Mary sat at his feet and listened to his every word. Martha got distracted by her work which competed with her devotion to Jesus. Her anxiety and worry also interfered with spending time with him and listening to his teaching. He gently and beautifully reminded her that he was more important when he said, "Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." What a reminder to us all. Work is certainly necessary but should never compete with our devotion to Jesus. Nothing should. 

Is there something you're putting before your time with God? Maybe it's social media? Television? Habits? Hobbies? If you find yourself spending time with him only when you have completed your to do list (squeezing him in when your schedule allows) perhaps, like Martha, you have simply gotten "distracted" and need a gentle reminder to choose "the good portion". 

Heavenly Father, you are so awesome and worthy to be praised. You never ever forget to provide for our needs. Even when we don't give you a second thought, we are always on your heart and in your hands. Thank you for continuing to love us when we let other things compete with our devotion to you. May we readjust or priorities and put you first Lord. May we rid ourselves of any distractions that would prevent us from sitting at your feet and listening to your teaching every day. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Here in your presence - New Life Worship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2bLUYz-Zvo

Soul on fire

"And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away." Luke 8:13

As I was running yesterday morning, I couldn't help but admire the signs of Spring. The Forsythia bushes, with their brilliant yellow leaves, were a sight to behold while the Burning bushes are unmistakably identified with their bright red foliage. With a quick glance, they seem to almost be on fire. Upon closer inspection though, you can see the signs of change.... many of the leaves were already fading. Soon enough, these shrubs that give the off their fiery glow of brilliance will turn to green and fade into the background.

It's sad that many Christians are the same way. They love what they hear about Jesus, that He came to save us sinners and give us Eternal life. They are joyful at the thought of accepting Him into their lives and "believe for a while". But the inevitable realization, that following Jesus requires sacrifice and is not a life without tests, trials and hardships, will soon cause them to fall away. Because they "have no root", they lose their fire and their zeal for God. But Colossians 2:6-7 tells us this,"And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness." 

You see, receiving Christ is only the first step. It's by continuing "to follow him", matching him step for step, that we can be rooted up, built up and growing in our faith. That, my friend, is when we will see a fire for Jesus that cannot be extinguished. Let us run to God until we are a soul on fire!

Heavenly Father, thank You for being such a patient God that You would love us when our fire has seemed to have gone out and when we have fallen away from You. Help us to reignite the flame and be on fire once again. Help us Lord to follow You every day, every minute and every hour to continue to fan the flames of our faith that others may see You in us. May we burn so bright with your presence that others can't help but see You! It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Soul on Fire

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7lv9oMjv_0

Preparation pays off

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Matthew 24:42-44

Gels? Check. Race belt? Check. Rain poncho? Check. TEAM 413 shirt? Check.... and the list goes on. Packing for a race can sometimes seem to take as much time as preparing for one. Since you can never know with complete certainty what race day may bring, it's best to be ready for anything. Wouldn't you agree? In the many runs I have been blessed to participate in, this strategy has certainly paid off. Many times I have been one of the only runners prepared for the change in the forecast or running conditions. 

While failing to be adequately prepared for a race may leave you exposed to the elements and, at worst, uncomfortable for a few miles, failing to be "ready" for the return of Christ has eternal consequences. In Matthew 24:45-51, Jesus tells the story of two servants, one who was "faithful and wise" while the owner of the house was away, and thus rewarded with being put in charge of all his possessions - the other unfaithful and "wicked", beating his fellow servants and eating and drinking with drunkards. That servant was assigned a "place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." When Christ comes, "at an hour when you do not expect him", you and I will either be prepared or we will not. There will be no do-overs and no second chances. Are you willing to risk that?

How can you be ready then? Deuteronomy 11:1 gives us the ultimate preparedness plan in one simple verse, "Love the LORD your God and keep his requirements, his decrees, his laws and his commands always." Always. Do that and you'll be ready at any hour.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the blessed assurance that You will return one day. And when that day comes, I pray that we will all be ready to meet you having been "faithful and wise" servants. May we keep your requirements, decrees, laws and commands always. Help us to follow you no matter the cost. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Jeremy Camp - I will follow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V-WkO5Be8Y

Forgiveness

"It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.…" 1 Timothy 1:15-16

After weeks of dramatic testimony, jurors will begin deliberations today in the trial of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev for the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing which wounded more than 260 people in attendance and killed three spectators. This now 21 year old, whose name runners have come to despise, stands accused of one the worst acts of terrorism in history. If convicted, he could face the death penalty or life in prison. The question I struggled with is, "Can this person be forgiven?" Surely when God told us to forgive others, He didn't mean someone guilty of something so heinous as this? Or did He?

Paul, formerly know as Saul, was undoubtedly one of the most faithful followers of Jesus Christ writing 13 books of the New Testament. Acts 18:31 tells us that, "He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!" But before his conversion on the road to Damascus, he was by all definitions a religious terrorist who, without remorse, persecuted many in "the name of God". Acts 8:3 tells us that, "Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison." By God's mercy, Paul was not only forgiven but given the opportunity to serve the one true God he had been searching for.

God can certainly save anyone including those who have done horrible things to others. Forgiveness is not easy but it is necessary. It is a process we must repeat daily... sometimes hourly but God's amazing grace can transform those lives we believe to be lost and use them for His glory. It is not our job to condemn but to "demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life." Yes, even the worst of sinners can be saved... and forgiven. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for forgiving us of our sins. We are all sinners deserving of death. And yet, You came that we all might hear the story of salvation, believe in You and be saved. Help us to resist condemning those that have hurt us and to, in love, share the story of the mercy and grace in the life of Paul and to explain that You have the power to change the life of even the worst sinner. Remind us that You can take the broken pieces of a sinner's life and make them into a masterpiece putting redemption on display for all to see and know that You are God! It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Forgiveness - Toby Mac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfkhqpl81NA

the next step

"Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it." Mark 16:20

I began the day yesterday with a very early morning run. Stealing some time away (before anyone awoke) to be alone with the Savior was the most perfect start to the day. As I watched the sun rise with it's vibrant, glowing hues of pink, purple and yellow, I smiled wondering if this was what the morning might have looked like those 2,000 years ago. Then, like many others, my family and I attended Church where we gave thanks for our many blessings, celebrated the day we call Easter and called it a day. But Jesus wasn't finished when the stone was rolled away and Resurrection day passed. Oh no... He was just getting started. As we should be (getting started that is).

After the resurrection, Matthew 28:16-17 tells us that, "the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted." His true disciples were not merely content with celebrating Easter, they were ready for the next step in what Jesus had planned for them and followed his instructions to meet him on the mountain. And this is where Jesus revealed the most important "next step" in the life of a believer... when He spoke these words, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (v. 18-20)

We are the disciples now, the believers commanded to fulfill "the great commission" and the plan that Jesus has for his followers. The Easter celebration may be over but our work has just begun. Are you ready for the next step?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the joy that we have in our hearts after celebrating your resurrection and the new life that it brings to all those that believe upon the name Jesus. Help us to be emboldened and strong as we begin the work you have assigned your followers. May we tirelessly strive to make disciples of all nations, beginning where we are with what we have. No excuses. No looking back. But pressing on to the task before us knowing you have equipped with us with everything we need to persevere and claim victory in your name. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Send me, I'll go - Lecrae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5y7iRVG3Eo

Empty promises

"After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." Matthew 28:1-6

An empty promise is defined as: A promise that is either not going to be carried out, worthless or meaningless. This world is full of these types of promises. People are forever making promises they can't or won't keep and advertisers make promises their products can never fulfill. With all the meaningless vows we hear daily, how wonderful it is to know that God never made an empty promise. But He did promise an empty tomb!

In Mark 10:33-34, Jesus said, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again." Without a doubt, that was the most important promise ever made. You see, without the resurrection we would still be dead in our sins. And without the crucifixion, there would be no resurrection. Christ died so that we might live! 

Praise God the tomb was empty but the promise was not! It was fulfilled on the third day and proclaimed to the nations when the angel said, "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." He has risen indeed!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the miracle of Easter. Thank You for sending your Son to die on the cross for our sins. Thank You for the eternal life that sacrifice offered to all those that believe. May we be filled with joy that the promise of an empty tomb was not an empty promise. It was your way of saving the world. For that, we love You! We praise You! And we thank you Lord. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

He's alive - Don Francisco

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKxD8WnSYqQ

the hollow bunny

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:16-19

Do an online search for chocolate flavored gels and you will find at least ten different kinds on the first page alone. And runners aren't the only people who love their chocolate. Did you know that ninety million chocolate Easter bunnies are produced every year? It probably comes as no surprise either that, in a study done by the National Confectioners Association, 66 percent of Americans prefer the solid bunny.  To the chocolate lover, hollow bunnies can be very disappointing.

Our lives can be very disappointing as well when our hearts are hollow and not filled with "all the fullness of God." Paul's prayer was that we would allow the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, giving us power and a deepened faith to be able to grasp the enormity of God's love for us .... how wide and long and high and how deep it is. It reaches to the depths of despair, the heights of happiness, the width of the world and the length of eternity. This immeasurable love was revealed to us by God sending his son Jesus into the world. What greater love could there be and what greater knowledge to behold?

Easter is about so much more than chocolate bunnies, egg hunts and new outfits. May the understanding of it's true meaning and the act of love behind it fill us to "the measure of all the fullness of God."

Heavenly Father, thank you for the great love you have for us, a love we don't deserve, a love we rarely thank you for and a love we underestimate. This Easter season, help us to share the true meaning of the cross, the crucifixion and the resurrection to those around us. Embolden us Lord to share the story of the love that was poured out for sinners like us. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

The love of Christ - Point of Grace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-CnCWmrGB8

http://nypost.com/2014/04/20/most-americans-prefer-solid-chocolate-easter-bunnies-study/
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/eastercandy1.html