A "real winner"

"In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success." Proverbs 3:6 (TLB)

If you've ever watched the Olympics or a major Track and Field or biking event, you may remember seeing the boxes or podiums at the awards ceremony. Staggered in height with the tallest being for the number one spot, the next tallest for the number two and finally the shortest for the person coming in third place, the top three winners will line up on their appropriate boxes and be given their medals. By the world's standards a "winner" is the one who has beat his or her opponent(s) and who has sacrificed all to be the best that they can be. While I have never spent much time on a podium in first or second place, I do know that, to be a " real winner", my place is always third. In fact, it's a coveted position we should all be striving for. 

In the first box, representing our number one priority is God, as Deuteronomy 6:5 says, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." Second place goes to helping others. And, lastly... yes, you guessed it, is ourselves. Philippians 2:3-4 tells us, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." 

While it may seem strange that being last ultimately makes us a "winner", it's great to know that if we put God first in everything we do, He will direct us and crown our efforts with success. There is victory in that knowledge my friends. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings and worldly "wins" you have allowed us to achieve. Help us to remember, Lord, that we are working for more than any medal this world can give us. We are working for you, serving others and competing for the greatest crown of all, the prize of an eternal life spent with you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Love the Lord - Lincoln Brewster

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8mr839-TVs

Don't water it down

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23

On a hot day, there is perhaps no better way to replace lost electrolytes than with a sports drink. It can be the difference between finishing the race or not. I remember a marathon several years ago when the heat index approached the high 90's. I was extremely thirsty and fatigued and looked forward to downing the glass offered to me. Was I ever disappointed... it was completely watered down. Not only did it taste awful, it didn't have the things my body needed. Praise God that I had the strength to make it to the next aid station where there was full strength Gatorade. In fact, every aid station that followed served it. You could say there was an unswerving supply.

The dictionary defines unswerving as: not changing or becoming weaker; steady or constant. Meaning no matter the circumstance, the object, thing or person it describes does not change or become weaker. When it comes to our faith, the bible tells us to exhibit those same characteristics. We are not to change or become weak but to stay steady and constant in our walk with Christ. It means, no matter the circumstance, we are not to water down our faith, change our beliefs or weaken our convictions. When the world changes, we are to stay the same as Romans 12:2 tells us, "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think."

Will it be easy? No. Will it be worth it? Absolutely. Matthew 10:22 gives us this promise, "And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." Let us endure to the end, never changing, always constant and clinging to the hope we profess because He who has promised is faithful. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for being constant and unchanging in a world that isn't. Thank you for your Word that has been the same, is the same and will be the same until you come to take your children home. Give us the strength to be unswerving in our faith and to hold on to the hope we profess no matter the cost. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

No Compromise - Planetshakers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27cwWcTG-qA&index=1&list=RD27cwWcTG-qA

Stay safe

"Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death." James 1:14-15

While running last week, I narrowly avoided stepping on a small snake. I think I jumped at least six feet into the air! After my heart rate finally returned to normal, I reminded myself that it's not just the big dangers that I should be looking out for. Did you know that the Timber Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in Missouri? While the babies are not as lethal as the adults, Reptile Channel reports that the “activity level of some venom enzymes tends to increase with the size and age of the snake. So an older timber rattlesnake has venom more virulent than a younger one." Which means the majority of these seemingly harmless babies I almost stepped on can grow to be a very dangerous threat.

Sin in our life is much the same way. While small, our sins can seem nonthreatening and "safe", maybe even safe to step on. The problem is that sins, like snakes grow. That is, unless we do as the bible instructs. While scripture is clear to tell us that temptation comes from our own desires which can drag us away and, if allowed to grow, lead to death - it also tells us how to prevent this from happening. 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to destroy every obstacle that keeps us from knowing God and to capture our rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. When sinful thoughts enter our minds, no matter the size, we must immediately take our thoughts captive and ask Christ to redirect our thinking.

While it's best to take control of our small thoughts before they "grow", 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." Oh praise God for the reminder that we need Christ every day to keep us "safe."

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your Word to remind us that we can prevent our thoughts from becoming venomous and deadly. Give us discernment Lord to recognize the small desires we have that might tempt us to be dragged away. And then give us the strength to take those thoughts captive and to allow you to cleanse us from them and set our feet back on a path where we can run the race free from those things that might lead to death. It's in your precious name that we pray these things, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Lord I need you - Matt Maher

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

Children of God

"Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are." Romans 8:18-19

I recently had the privilege of watching one of my dearest friends and running buddies give birth. Having had C-sections myself, I watched this miracle of childbirth as I kept thinking that it looked very painful. While she was lovingly holding her new son later, I had to ask, "What's more painful, childbirth or running a marathon?" She said she didn't know, they both hurt alot! Oh praise God for humor! The bible has something to say about pain and children as well. Romans 8:16-17 says, "For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering."

In Roman culture, an adopted child lost all rights to his old family but gained all rights to his new one including becoming a full heir to his new father's estate. When we become a Christian, the same thing happens. We become full heirs of God's glory. As children of God, we are now led by the Holy Spirit leaving our old lives behind and have an inheritance of forgiveness and eternal life. Just as we share in that glory, though, we must also share in suffering. We can face ridicule, harassment and even death as a price for being adopted as God's children. But we can smile knowing that, "what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later." 

Pain and suffering will last but a moment compared with the eternity we will spend with our Father in heaven. And nothing we suffer can ever compare to what Jesus suffered to give us this gift of "sonship" or adoption. Let us continue to wait eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. What a glorious day that will be!!

Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving us so much that you would adopt us into your family making us, together with Christ, full heirs of your glory. Help us to endure whatever pain and suffering this world gives us as we continue to wait eagerly for the resurrection when we will be reunited once and for all with you, our Father and King. Let us consider our pain a reminder that we are sons and daughters of God. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www,team413.org

Children of God - Third Day

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

Job title

"Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was. Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike. " Acts 18:3-4

In Acts 18:3, Paul was described as a tentmaker. This was perhaps one of the main ways he supported himself as he traveled to spread the Gospel, as told in 2 Thessalonians 3:8, "We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you." How ironic it seems then that his vocation is mentioned only one time in the bible, and only in reference to it being his means to stay and work in a place, while he fulfilled his calling... being "at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike."

The apostle Paul is much better known as a faithful follower of Christ, a crusader of the cause and a man that, by the power of God, changed the world by converting thousands and writing many books of the New Testament. Paul was ultimately defined by his relationship with Christ and not by his job title. What he did for a living only served as a means to fulfill his calling to be, "a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God "(Romans 1:1). Paul knew that his true "job title" was to be a faithful follower of Christ. Which begs the questions... will you be known by whatever title your vocation gives you?  Does your job define you or is it merely a means to fulfill your calling?

While I'm sure that many will remember me as a runner, mother and friend someday. I pray that I will be remembered more by my true "job title", a servant of Christ. May we never confuse our jobs with our calling. And may we use our God given vocations as a means to, like Paul, bring others to Christ.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the skills, abilities and talents that you have given each of us to work in the vocation we are in. Remind us Lord that we were given our jobs, whether great or small, as a means to fulfill our true calling to be a servant of Christ. No matter what position we are in or where that may be, please remind us that we are to be faithful followers of You and people ready to do our "job" of showing Christ to the world. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Called to be - Jonathon Nelson

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

Fifteen

"But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?" Romans 10:14

Research has shown that it takes an average of 5-6 times for someone to hear the gospel before they make a decision to receive Christ. Some estimate that number to be as high as 15. That means, as Christians we all have a job to do. Whether we are the 1st, the 15th, or somewhere in between, sharing Christ with someone is the greatest thing we can ever do. After all, "how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?" And that is what TEAM 413 is about... plain and simple.

While on a plane from St. Louis to Seattle last week, Pastor Lindell Shelden shared this remarkable story of a meeting only God could arrange. While making friendly conversation, he asked his seatmate what brought him to Seattle. The man replied that he was flying to Washington to run the Seattle Marathon that Saturday. That's when Pastor Lindell asked him if he had ever heard of TEAM 413. The man raised the cuff of his shirt to show him the bracelet he was wearing. It was a TEAM 413 bracelet! As they talked more, the man revealed that he really wasn't sure what the verse meant but had been given the bracelet and a shirt by a man whose name he had forgotten but had made such an impact on him that he had never taken it off (that man was Chris Gillespie, founder of the ministry). While he hadn't made the decision to follow Christ (yet), God was clearly working on him.

As you can imagine, Pastor Lindell was more than happy to tell him what the verse meant and so much more. What number Chris and Pastor Lindell were in God's divine plan isn't important. What is important is that they were there, taking their place in line to share the Gospel. Let us all be lined up, ready and willing, to do the same every day.

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would arrange divine meetings. As believers, give us the courage and boldness to take our place in line to tell others about you and your gift of Salvation. After all, how can they believe if they've never been told? And how can they be told if we aren't willing to tell them? May we all be ready to be the witness you have called us to be. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Greg Long - Fifteen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVpWlf0-Gos&list=RDcVpWlf0-Gos#t=0

Overcomer

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Meb Keflezighi. winner of both the Boston and New York Marathons, gave the commencement speech for more than 2,000 San Diego National University graduates last week. As he drew parallels between running and life, his words were inspiring. He said that while he didn't win all the time "I learned from every race I competed in. Falling down is part of sports and life. But injuries heal and challenging circumstances can be overcome.... I always tell people to 'run to win'. It doesn't necessarily mean to win a foot race, but it does mean to make the effort to win in whatever situation you face. It means to get the best out of yourself in all that you do."

How many of us Christians simply drop out of the race or give up when we are faced with trials, tests, failures or hardships? What if we became determined instead to prevail over our circumstances and to make the extra effort to win in whatever situation we face? When we are hard pressed, let us press on knowing we are not crushed. When we are perplexed, let us move forward in confidence not in despair. When we are persecuted, let us keep our heads up knowing we are not abandoned. And when we are struck down, let's get back up and head to the finish line knowing we are not destroyed. 1 John 5:4 tells us, "For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith."

As children of God, we have the power to overcome any obstacle and, by faith, to achieve victory. So if you believe that God is who He says He is, trust in this promise, "For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." (Isaiah 41:13)

Heavenly Father, thank you for promising to help us in our battles and struggles. While we aren't guaranteed a life without heartache and mountains to cross, we can trust that your Word is true and that you will be beside us helping us to overcome. May we declare victory by faith and glorify your name through the battle. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Overcomer - Mandisa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8VoUYtx0kw

Volkslauf 2015 - permanent stains

"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." Isaiah 1:18

Saturday, June 20 was the 16th annual Volkslauf USMC 10k Mud Run. It's a race that promises "fun for the entire family" with the proceeds going to support "Fort Leonard Wood Marines' Marine Corps birthday ball celebration which commemorates the birthday of their 'Corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history." The fun they promise comes in the form of running 6 miles through mud laden trails and up and down some steep rocky hills. Adding to the fun is the array of people running it, from the young to the old, civilian to military and, of course, those with and without costumes. It's a run full of as much entertainment as there is sludge to run through. Most everyone crossed the finish line with a smile on their face and a lot dirtier than when they began!

In fact, many of the runners clothes were so caked with mud, I'm sure the stains were permanent. Like me, they probably ended up throwing a garment or two away. And just like those mud stains, the stain of sin can be equally permanent... unless we allow God to remove them for us. Psalm 103:12 says that, for those who believe, "He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west." The bible also says that, "though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow." Did you know, in Old Testament times, that scarlet was the color of a deep-red permanent dye and virtually impossible to remove from clothing? Sin is the same. But the great news is that, because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we no longer have to live life permanently stained!

In fact, 1 Corinthians 6:11 gives us this most wonderful promise, "Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." If today you are soiled by sin, why not let him cleanse you from it? No matter how deep the stain or how long it has been there, even if it is "like scarlet", you can be cleansed. For those who call on the name of the Lord, "shall be white as snow."

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us in our sin. Thank you for not giving up on us when we may have given up on ourselves. Help us to find the strength to call out to you at this very moment and ask you to make us white as snow, to cleanse us from our sins and to give us a new start. There is no one with a permanent stain that You cannot make clean. Cleanse us today Lord. We ask this in your most precious name, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Forgiveness - Toby Mac/Lecrae

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

Prerace with our TEAM 413 team

There were many TEAM 413 members running today!!

The girls from our team caught in action. 

Help us to see

"Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:17

When running in the rain, there is perhaps no article of clothing more essential than a hat. Without a hat, a runners eyes aren't shielded from the storm making it very hard to see what's ahead. And in the heat of summer, a hat can protect the head and shield the eyes from the intensity and glare of the sun, guarding a runners vision yet again. If we can't clearly see the path in front of us, we can easily stumble or become lost. And when it comes to our salvation, a hat or helmet is vital to keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and following in his direction.

In this world we live in today, it can be easy to take on the world's view, to see things as gray instead of right or wrong and lose sight of what we know to be truth. Ephesians 6:12 tells us that, "we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." Without the armor of God, we are powerless against the devil and his schemes. When we put on the helmet of salvation we can, as 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us, "destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ," Just as we decide to put on our running hat, we must daily make the decision to protect our minds by putting on the helmet of salvation.

In Old Testament times, when a soldier suited up for battle, did you know that their helmet was the last piece of armor to go on? It was the final act of preparedness to face the enemy. We are in a battle every day my friends. Let's be prepared by guarding our minds that we might "see" the world clearly.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your protection. Thank you for your armor that we might put on to face our enemy, the devil. Help us to be prepared each and every day that we might "see" your truth and never stray from it. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Socially Acceptable - DC Talk

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

gracerunner413: Nature speaks

gracerunner413: Nature speaks: "Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he pr...

gracerunner413: Stay alert

gracerunner413: Stay alert: "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand fir...

Nature speaks

"Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” Acts 14:17

Wow, we have certainly been getting our share of rain! Our Tuesday night group run began under a flood watch and menacing storm clouds but no rain...yet.  Intent on getting in a few miles, we made the decision to run anyway. Halfway through, as it began to sprinkle, we laughed and marveled at the beauty of the clouds and the fresh smells the rain created. God's presence and goodness was all around us. It was and is on display, yet so many people miss it. The bible tells us that God never leaves himself "without testimony". He never leaves anyone doubting his existence.

Testimony is defined as: evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something. Romans 1:20 says, "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." The evidence in nature alone leaves people without any excuse for not believing in the Creator. Yet, in a study done by the Christian Post, one in four Americans don't believe in God. Does anyone have an excuse then for not believing? No, "since what may be known about God is plain to them because God has made it plain to them." (Romans 1:19)

Since God has plainly made his presence known then, every one of us has the choice to accept Him or not. But when the time comes to be judged for your decision, there will be no acceptable excuse for not doing so. If you haven't made the choice to follow Christ, let today be the day. Look around you, He is real. He loves you and He is calling your name. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence that is everywhere around us. Lord, we pray that you would open the eyes of all unbelievers that they might believe in You and choose to follow that they might have eternal life. Thank you for loving us Lord and sending the rain as a reminder of your goodness, love and mercy. We love you Lord. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

And your Praise goes on - Chis Rice

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

Stay alert

"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith." 1 Peter 5:8-9

After being attacked several times by dogs, and more close calls than I care to remember while on my daily runs, I have learned to stay alert to my surroundings, keeping my eyes and ears intently focused on everything around me. Unfortunately, I have also learned that attacks cannot be avoided. They will happen no matter how careful a runner is at choosing a "safe" route. Dogs get off their chains, are dumped or simply run wild and they can be dangerous. When approached, the best way to ward off an attack is to stand firm, rebuke the threat and make yourself appear larger than the problem. By having done this repeatedly, I now have the joy of watching a once ferocious dog scramble to jump back into his fence (he always gets out of) before he barks and chases me.

The devil comes at us in the same way, seemingly out of nowhere and ready to attack. In fact, the bible tells us that "he prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." And when the attack comes, it is not the time to run. It is the time to stand firm and strong in our faith knowing that we are bigger than him by the power of Jesus. 1 John 4:4 reminds us that we, "have already won a victory... because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world." Did you get that part? Praise God, the victory is ours through Christ Jesus and we can tell the devil to get back into the fence.

When you find yourself under assault, whether it be physically, financially or spiritually, is your first instinct to run and hide? This strategy never works my friends. This is the time to stand your ground and remind the enemy that our God is bigger and greater than any problem or attack we will ever encounter. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the strength to fight the attacks of the devil. Help us to stay alert at all times and be ready for any attack that might come our way, standing firm in the faith and the promise that He who is in us is bigger and greater than he who is in the world. Let us say Amen each and every time we are brought through the fire and are victorious in the name of Jesus. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Say Amen - Finding Favour

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRcvcF_0_9M

Be all things

"Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Summer is definitely upon us. If you've run at all in the last two weeks, you have most certainly felt the effects of the heat and humidity. While it would be easy to skip outdoor workouts and hit the treadmill for the next few months, you would be missing the beauty of the outdoors and the joy of running with friends. The key to summer running is to simply adapt to the changing conditions. Slowing down until your body becomes adjusted to cooling itself (takes about 2 weeks) and adding power walk breaks every 4 to 8 minutes will help your body adapt to the rising temps while preventing overheating.

The apostle Paul knew something about adapting to whatever condition he was in too. The bible tells us that he became all things to all people so that he might save some. To the Jews, he became like a Jew. To the weak, he became weak. And he did it all for the sake of the gospel. By following his example, we too can adapt to any situation we might find ourselves in "so that by all possible means" we might save some. Being all things to all people can be as simple as finding ways to connect with a person. Being respectful of someone's current situation and looking for things that you might have in common with them can many times be the gateway to introducing the Gospel to an open heart. 

How about you? Are you ready and willing to adapt for the sake of sharing the gospel? 

Heavenly Father, thank you for you the gift of eternal life. May we never take that for granted and never miss a chance to share the gift of salvation with all those who have never received it. Help us Lord to find ways to connect with the lost that we might become all things that we might save some. Give us the strength Father to always look for opportunities to tell others about Christ. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Tell the world - Lecrae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vClpJwFS9G4

Run for a Vet 2015

"But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:22-23

Saturday was the first Run for a Vet Half Marathon in Branson, MO. It was a race put on by the local Vietnam Veterans Chapter 913 as a fundraiser. If you have never been to Branson before, there are two things you can be sure to find there... great shows and Ozark hills. Since my four friends and I were not there for the entertainment, we began to psych ourselves up the night before for the monster hills we expected to encounter. Wow, were we pleasantly surprised to find that the paved trail (3 loops to complete the half) course had only a few bunny hills. Not only was it relatively flat, it was beautifully shaded with a stunning view of Table Rock Lake. And it was quite an honor to be served water and Gatorade at each aid station from these veterans that so unselfishly served our country.

Each participant was asked to run in appreciation or remembrance of the veteran of their choice and to write the name(s) of that person on their bib. It seemed almost a privilege to carry the name Miguel Martinez (my father in law who served in Korea in the Navy) to the finish line. And it was humbling to think that each written name that crossed the finish line Saturday represented an act of sacrifice to grant us the freedom that we enjoy today. What a reminder that, as the engraved inscription reads on the wall of the Korean War Veterans Memorial, "Freedom is Not Free".

Isn't it wonderful to live in a country where we are free from tyranny and oppression? Where we are free to follow our dreams and worship as we please? Of course it is and praise God for our veterans who helped to make it so. But, I'm here to tell you, that there is no greater freedom than being set free from the bondage of sin. The bible tells us that the wages of sin is death, something we are all deserving of. But by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we have been set free from that and have been given the gift of eternal life in exchange! Shouldn't every day then be lived in remembrance of that greatest act of sacrifice and for the true freedom it provided? 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of eternal life. Thank you for sending your son Jesus to die on the cross for all of us that we might be free from the bondage of sin. May we live our lives every day publicly declaring your name in honor of your sacrifice. Help us to never forget that freedom truly isn't free - It was bought by the blood of Jesus for sinners like me and you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

I am Free - Newsboys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRbaZYGZIHA&list=RDJRbaZYGZIHA#t=0

Margaret is a 70 year old Vietnam Veteran who ran for her husband. She shared stories of her time there. 

The after picture. 

This group of friends is such a blessing. 

So blessed to have run this race. 

A comeback story

"Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch," Acts 14:19-21

I love a good comeback story. Nothing beats the scene of Rocky running through the Philadelphia streets. Except the story of Paul that is. Talk about a guy that refused to stay down. In Acts, chapter 14, the story is told of Paul and Barnabas speaking to a group of Jews and Greeks at Iconium in an effort to win them to Christ. Many were saved but those who chose not to believe "stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers." (v.2) When they moved on to preach in Lystra, they healed a man lame from birth (by God's power of course) that had never walked. When the crowd there saw what they had done, they wanted to worship them as gods. As you would expect, they shouted to the crowd, "why are you doing this? We too are only human like you." (v.15)

And here's where the story gets good. Some Jews came and incited a riot. They had Paul stoned to death (or so they thought) and thrown out of the city. Not only did Paul get back up and go back into the city, he stayed the night! The next day, he and Barnabas preached in Derbe, winning a large number of disciples and then returned to Lystra, the same place he had been stoned and thrown out of! Because of his refusal to give up, many more souls were saved.

Shouldn't we all follow the example of Paul? Praise God, most of us don't have to worry about being stoned to death but when we are rejected because of Christ, do we give up? Let us all be Christians with a comeback story.

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us everything we need to be the messengers you have called us to be. Give us the strength, courage and determination to share the Gospel in places where it is not welcome knowing that if even one person is saved, it will have been worth it. Help us to get back up again knowing that our power to do so comes from you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Get back up - Toby Mac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX5OqyBYKh4

the whole body

"If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." 1 Corinthians 12:26-27

Oooh, I've felt it... that pain in the knee commonly referred to as "runners knee". The funny thing is though, it's not all about the knee. One of the causes of "runners knee" is tight hamstrings and calf muscles that can put pressure on the knee, and weak quadricep muscles which can cause the patella to track out of alignment. When other parts of the body aren't working correctly, it can cause undue stress on another which leads to pain and injury. Let's face it, God designed our individual body parts to work together as a whole.

He designed his church to do the same. 1 Corinthians 12:12 says, "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. " Just as with our bodies, when we let parts of the church body get weak or exhausted, it affects the others. Similiarly, when one member becomes tight or uncompromising, the rest of the church body can suffer as well. The only way to keep it working properly is consistently helping to strengthen our brothers and sisters in Christ by encouraging them and carrying our share of the workload while being flexible in how it gets done.

By taking the same care of our church body as we do our physical ones, we can keep the whole body healthy and strong and able to do the wonderful things God has called us to.

Heavenly Father, thank you for making our bodies in your image. May we work daily to keep our physical bodies healthy and strong to serve and to work even harder to ensure that the church body that we are a part of is equally healthy and strong so that we might have the power to do great things in our community and to work together to do great things for the Kingdom. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

We are the body of Christ - Scott Wesley Brown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WJL5Ccw3b8

Dead last

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Dead last is a title most runners never want to receive. The mere mention of it conjures up images of grade school where it was the most certain way to get made fun of. But times have changed and we adults know that the title "dead last" beats "didn't start" any day of the week. "Dead last" requires perseverance and courage while "didn't start" didn't even bother to lace up it's shoes. Beth Salinger, race director for the Hospital Hill Run, understands something about that.

After gastric bypass surgery and losing 100 pounds, she participated in a triathlon (May, 2001) where she finished dead last. At the finish line, she was met with a crowd of people cheering for her which provided the inspiration to form the "Tunnel of Love" at the end of the Hospital Hill race. "I felt like a total rock star... I want the last person to get that same superhero finish," she said. Not one sign or banner can be taken down until the last person crosses the finish line. She told the story of one year where the final finisher was a gal who, at 300 pounds, started by walking the 5k the first year, the 10k the following year followed by the half the next. Talk about someone deserving of a superhero finish! Beth certainly paid the love forward in making this runner feel like the star she is.

The bible tells us that the comfort that we have received from God, who comforts us in all our troubles, is the same comfort we can give to others in need. Oh praise be to God, the Father of Compassion for being the greatest example of love. May we too use our experiences to pay the love forward and love like Jesus.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the troubles that life brings us that serve as stepping stones to making us stronger. Thank you for the love, comfort and strength you show us during the difficult times that we might learn how to comfort others experiencing the same things we have. May we always look for ways to turn trials into testimonies and may you give us the courage to persevere against the odds. Praise you Lord for Dead last finishers. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Love like Jesus - Rhett Walker Band

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

Runners World, July 2015, Page 92

Test all things

"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. " 2 Timothy 4:3-4

At the start of the race the runners lined up behind their pacer, the one they had chosen to get them to the end at their goal time. Along the course, they followed putting their faith in their leader. As the pacer spoke words they wanted to hear, "You can do this. Just a little faster now and you will reach your goal. You're doing great, just follow me," they ran on. But, not once, did they check their watches to see if their "leader" was telling them correct information. As I watched the runners at Saturday's race, I was struck by how easily they could have been taken off course, turned away "from listening to the truth" you might say.

In our spiritual lives, we must be ever vigilant from following false teachers. The bible tells us that the time is coming when many people will fail to follow the truth and will instead turn to follow those who tell them what they want to hear. They will follow their own desires and entice others to do the same. As Paul instructed Timothy,"But you, keep your head in all situations,". We must be careful to follow God's word and God's word alone and only those who teach it. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 says, "but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good."

When life gets hard or you feel you have a mountain to cross, it's easy to listen to someone who has an easy solution to it all, someone who tells you what your "itching ears" want to hear and promises an easier path. But keep your head in all situations and hold on only to what is good, It's only then that you will reach the finish line.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your written word that we have to keep us on the right path. Help us to study it daily so that we might be able to test everything that is said and to hold on to what is good. May we resist the urge to follow those that would tell us what we would like to hear and instead follow your Word alone. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

I will follow - Jeremy Camp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V-WkO5Be8Y&list=RD1V-WkO5Be8Y

Hospital Hill Run 2015

"Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain." Isaiah 40:4

There are 5280 feet in a mile. And depending on your gender and pace, it could take anywhere from 1064 steps to 2,301 steps to travel that distance. But you will learn after running the Hospital Hill Half Marathon that all miles, regardless of being alike in distance, are not created equal. The course here is, true to it's name, full of hills... many large ones actually. The race route takes the runners by some of the highlights of Kansas City including the Power & Light District, the Sprint Center, The Kansas City Star Building, Hospital Hall and many more before ending where it began at Crown Center.

Saturday, some of my friends and I gathered to run the 42nd annual Hospital Hill Run in Kansas City. By the 7:00 a.m. start, the humidity was close to 90% and the temperature climbing making the first few miles memorable. Within an hour, the rain came along with a little lightning. Now that will put a pep in your step! But, praise God, the cooler temps made for a very nice second half of the run and made the remaining hills seem a bit more friendly. I love everything about this race! From the course, to the volunteers, and especially the spectators, this half marathon is one of my very favorites. The icing on the cake? Great post race snacks, atmosphere and HHR flip-flops for all the finishers. Oh, and did I tell you that the medals were amazing as well? Many thanks to the volunteers and organizers of this race for giving us great memories of June 6, 2015!!

Just as in this race, there are many times in life when we feel like there are nothing but hills to climb... one after another after another. We might even wonder if we will ever reach the end. Take heart, the bible tells us that there will be a day when every valley shall be raised up and every mountain and hill made low. For those that persevere and finish the race, Hebrews 3:14 gives us this promise, " For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ." You just have to finish... one step at a time.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you have given us. Thank you that, through TEAM 413, we can run the good race sharing the message of your salvation with every step. Help us to never tire of the command you have given us to go and make disciples of all nations. Give us strength to overcome the hills along our path and compassion to help others do the same. Let us always surrender our will to yours Lord no matter the cost. And let others see You in us both on the racecourse and off. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Through it all - Spoken

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EJuROjO48Q

Coincidence?

"Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please." Isaiah 46:9-10

So stop me if you've heard this one--three doctors, a realtor, an accountant and a pastor meet to go running and... the rest is not a joke, I promise you. Tuesday morning in St. Augustine, Florida, this group (that meets every morning at 5:30 a.m. and has nicknamed themselves the 5:30 Default Group) was going for a run when they spotted three-foot flames burning a neighborhood porch. Several of the runners banged on the door to get the people out while the others used a neighbors hose to extinguish the fire. Thanks to being in the right place at the right time, a coincidence you might say, the fire was largely under control by the time Emergency Personnel arrived and no one was hurt.

Ask any Christian and they will most likely have a story of someone who miraculously showed up to help in a time of need, hearing a song at just the right time or many other things that could be described as a coincidence. But is it really? Depends on your definition of it. In Luke 10:31, Jesus said, “And by a coincidence a certain priest was going down in that way, and having seen him, he passed over on the opposite side.” The word coincidence is translated from the Greek word synkyrian, which is a combination of two words: sun and kurios. Sun meaning “together with,” and kurious “supreme in authority.” A biblical definition of coincidence would then be: what occurs together by God’s providential arrangement of circumstances.

The Google dictionary defines coincidence though as: a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection. What do you say then? Was it a remarkable concurrence of events without any connection? Of course not... nothing is. God was, is and will always be in control and His "purpose will stand."

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would providentially arrange situations to help us when we are in need. When we are blessed by a "coincidence" help us to remember that it is never a concurrence of random events but a set of circumstances arranged by You. Help us to see your presence in everything around us and to thank you when a "coincidence" is an answer to prayer. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

They found a miracle - Third Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTjimzpyE4k

http://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/no-joke-doctors-realtor-pastor-go-for-a-run-extinguish-house-fire

Constant Practice

"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” Hebrews 5:12-14

In a recent article titled The Lost Art of Pacing, Kevin Hanson, coach of the Hansons-Brooks Original Distance Project, says there is a "lost art of feeling pace." He encourages his athletes not to become too dependent on their GPS watches which can fail or provide inaccurate information. By relying on a device to tell us when to speed up and slow down, we fail to learn the correct way to determine the pace ourselves. And so, when the device crashes or malfunctions, a runner can get "off track" very quickly. It's only by "constant practice" to distinguish pace without help that we can maintain it when we are alone or unassisted.

The same can be true of our spiritual training. We can sometimes rely on a Pastor, group leader or a friend too much to spoon feed us the basic principles of God that we fail to develop the skills to do it on our own. If we are, "by constant practice", reading the Word for ourselves, we can become mature Christians, those who feast on solid food and are skilled in the word of Righteousness. We can become the Christians who can keep the pace when there is no one to direct and guide us being trained by "constant practice" to distinguish good from evil.

How about you? Are you relying on someone or something to train you or to teach you again the basic principles of God? If so, it's time for "constant practice" in the Word. Read it, study it and learn it and soon you will be on pace and right on track all by yourself.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Word that tells us everything we need to know to become mature Christians so that we might never get off track from the plan you have for us. Help us Lord to train daily by reading our bibles that we might discern for ourselves good from evil. And, in doing so, help us to go on to be teachers of the Word rather than mere children. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Run - Sanctus Real

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7DcNDjRdRc

http://www.runnersworld.com/rt-columns/the-lost-art-of-pacing

The shoes

"John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." Luke 3:16

On May 6, 1954 Roger Bannister ran a sub-4:00 (3:59:4) minute mile at Oxford University's Iffley Road Track, something that had never been done before. The spikes, which have a leather upper, weigh 4.5 ounces, which is much lighter than most racing shoes of the time. It was said that Bannister reduced the weight a bit more on race day by using a grindstone to thin the spikes attached to the forefoot of the outsole. Those shoes are now set to be sold at auction in London in September and are estimated to be worth between $46,000 and $77,000 American dollars. I'd say that is one valuable pair of shoes.

The bible tells us about another pair of shoes, those worn by Jesus. When the people were wondering if John the Baptist was the awaited Messiah, he answered them saying, "I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie." You see, John baptized with water but Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire, something never done before. Acts 2:3-4 tells us, "And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit...". 

The Holy Spirit still works in and through believers today to accomplish His will. His power leads us, convicts us, teaches us, and equips us to do His work and spread the gospel. The Holy Spirit’s powerful indwelling is an amazing gift we should consider priceless. Talk about a valuable pair of shoes!

Heavenly Father, thank you for the invaluable gift of your Holy Spirit. Thank you for the power you have given us to do the impossible and to accomplish your will. Help us to remember that this power indwells us to spread the gospel. With you in our hearts, may our shoes take us to the ends of the earth proclaiming your great name! In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

To the ends of the earth - Hillsong United

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-YHePdtMFY&list=RDO-YHePdtMFY#t=0

http://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/spikes-worn-in-first-sub-400-mile-to-be-auctioned

The stone

"Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24

Running down my favorite trail this morning, I got a small pebble in my shoe. While a bit uncomfortable, it wasn't something that bothered me enough to stop what I was doing and take it out. As I kept going, however, the tiny pebble began to feel like a rock and I could overlook it no longer. As I stopped to remove the stone, I smiled as I thought back to something I had read.

In his book Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions, Gregory Koukl wrote, "It may surprise you to hear this, but I never set out to convert anyone... I have a more modest goal, one you might consider adopting as your own. All I want to do is put a stone in someone's shoe. I want to give him something worth thinking about, something he can't ignore because it continues to poke at him in a good way."

Sometimes our job, as Christians, is to simply place stones in the shoes of our lost friends. To graciously tell them enough about Christ that the thought of a God that can grant forgiveness and give eternal life, like a pebble in a shoe, cannot be ignored for long. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you have given us. Thank you for your Word that can be used to bring others to you. As Colossians 4:5-6 instructs us, may we be wise in the way we act toward the unbelieving and make the most of every opportunity to share your word. May our conversation always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that we might know how to answer everyone. Help us Lord to be Christians who gently and respectfully place stones in the shoes of the lost. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Somebody tell them - City Harbor

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

*The Apologist's Tool Kit by Rob Phillips