Make a way

"Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided," Exodus 14:21

With less than three weeks left until the Boston Marathon, you can imagine my dismay at hearing last week's diagnosis of peroneal tendonitis. With rest and anti-inflammatory medication I was told that it should heal in about three weeks. But having taken one week off from training already before even seeing the podiatrist I felt as if I were looking at sure defeat. Without proper training how was I going to be able to finish the race that I felt God was calling me to? And then I remembered that, since the beginning of time, God has been "making a way".

Exodus 14:21 tells us that, "Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and that all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided." Did you get that part? The waters were divided! With the Egyptians chasing them, the Israelites saw absolutely no way of escape... that is until God opened up a dry path and made a way for them to cross over. But did you notice that Moses stretched out his hand? He trusted God to work but still knew that he had to do his part. At sometime in our lives, you and I will most assuredly find ourselves looking at sure defeat. That's not the time to panic or give up though. That, my friend, is the time to pray and take action.

And I am forever grateful that God did indeed "make a way" for me. At the advice of a good friend and fellow runner, I am now running in a pool doing my part as I trust God for healing. So, today, if you're looking at the sea of obstacles in your path, remember that God is the master at "making a way".

Heavenly Father, thank you for being the God that never gives up on us. Thank you for bringing us through the seas of doubt and over the mountains of fear and insecurity that stand in our way. Help us to trust you more that we might pray with certainty that you will indeed make a way. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

I am They - Make a way

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beB-aH8vis8

No bid necessary

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us," Hebrews 12:1

Ever wanted to run with the "elites" of running? Those superstars of the running world like Deena Kastor who set the Masters Record (2:27:47) at the Chicago Marathon last year? Well now you have a chance to bid for the opportunity to do what CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association) describes as a "once in a lifetime" event where the winner, "basically gets to every point with the elites". But with the bid starting at $1,500, your dream of running the Chicago Marathon with the "best" will certainly cost you.

The bible tells us of an even greater opportunity that you and I have to run with the "elites" of the Kingdom, those faithful men and women that have gone before us, who by perseverance finished the race, and now serve as witnesses to the power of Christ in their lives... the same power available to us. Hebrews 12:1 says that "since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses... let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us". Paul didn't mean that those saints like Abraham, Isacc, Rahab, Mary Magdelane and David are running with us but that we are to look to their example and act as if they were in sight cheering and spurring us on as we pursue the same victory (and encounter the same trials) in the faith as they did.

So, may we "throw off" any burden or sin that keeps us from being like Christ and stop at nothing in our pursuit of living the life God has called us to. Thankfully we don't need to bid at the chance at this "once in a lifetime" event though. We can simply open up our Bibles and read the stories of perseverance as we set our eyes on finishing the "race marked out for us."

Heavenly Father, thank you for the faithful men and women that have gone before us to be examples to us. May we study them and how they were once lost but now found and how they endured trials, temptations, doubts and struggles in their lives but stayed focused on the goal of crossing that final finish line. May we always remember their example that we might not be disheartened at our circumstances but rather strengthened by their victory. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

I am a disciple

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWDa_7Q9ryI

http://www.runnersworld.com/races/want-to-run-with-elites-in-chicago-it-will-cost-you

What do you see?

"He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him." Isaiah 53:2

One of my runner friends recently shared a conversation he had with his young son, Hudson, that went like this, "I wonder what Jesus looks like." To which his father gently and longingly replied, "me too." And then, in the innocence of a child, Hudson said to his Dad, "I can just google it." Wow, if it were only that easy. Did you know that there is no physical description of Christ anywhere in the Bible? You can google it all you want but you will never find it. In fact, the closest thing we get to a description is what it says in Isaiah 53:2, "He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him." 

Jesus came as a suffering Servant and, although he was the King of all kings, he came showing no signs of nobility or greatness. Yet he attracted thousands of people in need of healing and salvation showing that his true identity was visible only through the eyes of faith. Perhaps his lack of allure made him more approachable or perhaps it was to show he was an ordinary man? Or perhaps, like 1 Samuel 16:7 says, God wanted us to look at Jesus the way He looks at us, "People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." Whatever the reason, one thing is certain. If it were important for us to know what Jesus looked like, Scripture would have revealed it to us. What is important though and described in great detail is Jesus' great love for us and for the Father. 

And what's even more significant and paramount to grasp is that, if we remain faithful, one day you and I will see Jesus face to face. That means that you and I (and Hudson) will know what he looks like! Now don't you believe that description will certainly be google worthy?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the example you have set that we should not focus on the outward appearance of people but rather look at them like you do, at their heart. Help us to examine our own hearts as well that we might look like Jesus to our children and all those around us. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Let them see You - Lauren Daigle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at16H1rfm8w

 

Sincerely love

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." Romans 12:9

Unless you run on a track or opt for a treadmill every day, running hills is just a normal part of training here in the Ozarks. Chances are though, if you polled a group of those Missouri runners and asked whether they like it or not, the majority of them would describe running hills as a love/hate relationship. Either they love the uphill and hate the downhill or hate the uphill and love the downhill. And when it comes to those love/hate and up and down relationships with things or activities, the bible has something to say by commanding us to love others and hate evil.

Sure we all love others right? But if we're honest, a lot of us only pretend to love others. We have learned how to speak kindly to people, learned how not to hurt someone's feelings and maybe even how to appear compassionate or to take a heartfelt interest in someone else. But God calls us to a much higher love that goes beyond pretense and politeness. Romans 12:9 tells us that, "Love must be sincere." and that we are to "Hate what is evil" and "cling to what is good." Sincere love is deep, genuine, profound and real. It demands our heart, our time and our personal involvement. It demands that we love the way Jesus did, truly and wholeheartedly, selflessly and purposefully putting others before ourselves.

False, fake and hollow love should be something we as Christians hate knowing it produces only false hope and leads others away from the Cross. May you and I cling to what is good today... the sincere love that we have for others through Jesus Christ. And may we look for ways to show that love to our friends, family and, yes, even to strangers. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so sincerely and profoundly that you would send your son to die on the cross for our sins. May we love others in the same way Lord. May we hate pretend love and the evil it produces as we cling to what is good... and that is you, for You are love, and the example you have set before us. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Love them like Jesus - Casting Crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6OYmmMicsA

A stumbling block

"Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister." Romans 14:13

On March 21, Sports Headlines read, "Molly Huddle Scores a Record and a Win, With a Dose of Controversy. At the NYC Half, she ran an American record for a women-only half marathon, but did she obstruct her competitor at the finish line?" To onlookers it seemed as if Huddle might have extended her left arm out to the side as if to physically block fellow runner, Joyce Chepkirui, who she beat by a mere 0.08 seconds. Both runners later agreed that no matter how it appeared, Huddle did not put any "obstacle or stumbling block" in Chepkirui's way. Joyce even said, "I'm happy for my friend."

The bible also talks of things that you and I could do to obstruct someone's finish or walk with Christ when it warns us to, "stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister." Paul was urging converted Jews and Gentiles to be sensitive to anything that might cause a weaker brother or sister to enter into sin. For example, "One person's faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them." (v.2,3). 

So whether we are weak or strong in our faith (and we all have strong and weak areas), we should always be sensitive to the needs' of others. Stephen Altrogge sums it up like this, "We are free to enjoy whatever scripture does not forbid.  However, our freedom must always be wrapped in concern and care for others. If our freedom actually leads someone else to violate their conscience then we have become a stumbling block. So let’s eat and drink and not eat and drink for the glory of God."

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you give us every day, especially for the gift of today. May we use this day to do your will and to bring others closer to you. Please help us to continually monitor our own behavior that we would never be a stumbling block to one of our brothers or sisters. And in everything we do or don't do, may our actions bring you glory. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

To Him be glory - Christ for the Nations

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

http://www.runnersworld.com/elite-runners/molly-huddle-scores-a-record-and-a-win-with-a-dose-of-controversy

It is finished

"After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." John 19:28-30

After months or even years of training, there is perhaps no greater feeling than crossing the finish line after a hard and grueling race being able to declare that it's done, finished. Can you imagine how Jesus must have felt on that "Good Friday" two thousand years ago then? Years of teaching and serving the Lord had led him to this day, the day he would be tried, convicted and sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit. He was severely beaten, flogged, mocked, slapped and spit upon before being given a crown of thorns and forced to bear his own cross to Golgotha, the Place of the Skull, where he was crucified. Having endured all that and nearing death, he said, "It is finished."

"It is finished." The Greek word translated is tetelastai, an accounting term that means "paid in full." When Jesus uttered those words, he was declaring the debt that was owed to God was wiped away completely and forever. Not just any debt that He owed to the Father though but the debt of sin that we (you, me and all mankind) owed to the Father. Once and for all time, on that very "Good Friday", Jesus paid a debt he did not owe for a debt that we could never pay.

On this day, let us never forget, in the words of Max Lucado, that "Nails didn't hold Jesus to a cross. Love did! The sinless one took on the face of a sinner so sinners could take on the face of a saint." Oh isn't that a reason to give God our praise today! 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ-one so great that it is hard to grasp. Help us to comprehend how deep your love is for us that we might be forever grateful striving to live our lives worthy of the sacrifice that was made at Calvary. And help us to always remember that it's only by the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb, that our sins have been wiped clean and we can have eternal life with You. And help us to be bold and share that Good News with everyone we know!! It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

The Wonderful Cross-Phillips, Craig and Dean

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXaLgqMj88s

The bucket list

"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you." John 3:14,15

Most everyone has a bucket list or a list of things they want to achieve or experience before they die. For some it may be completing a marathon, climbing to the top of Mt. Everest or taking a missions trip deep in the jungles of Africa. Scripture tells us that on Holy Thursday, the day before Good Friday, Jesus had two important things he wanted to do before his death-which he knew was imminent. First, Jesus wanted to celebrate the Last Supper with His disciples and thereby establish the Lord’s Supper, also called Communion (Luke 22:19-20). He then wanted to set the example of how you and I are to love one another with humility so that we could follow it:

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly,truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. (John 13:3-17)

As always, and even to the end, Jesus thought of others before himself. He loved us then enough to die on the cross and He loves us now enough to give us his Word that we might follow his example. To think that on that holy bucket list, you and I were one of those "things" that Jesus was concerned with!! As we prepare our hearts to celebrate this Resurrection Day, may you and I, with all humility strive to love others as Jesus loved us. Because, in the words of D.R. Kingma, "In the end nothing we do or say in this lifetime will matter as much as the way we have loved one another." 

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would send your Son to die for our sins. Thank you for loving us so much that you would give us your Word to show us your will. Help us to follow the example of Jesus Christ who humbly loved and served others putting their needs before his. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Love others-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxrU03SC7lM

 

At His feet

"Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” John 12:7

Many events such as packing for a vacation, taking a college exam, hosting a birthday party or running a race require preparation. Obviously some events might require increased or more careful planning, like marathon training, than other functions such as simply packing for the trip. But when it comes to preparations, there could be no more important an event to prepare for than the burial of our Savior. John 12:1-7 tells the story of what happened on Holy Wednesday, or the Wednesday prior to Easter...

"Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself."

"Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."

As we get ready to celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior by planning our outfits, egg hunts and Easter menus, may you and I be making an even more important "preparation"- preparing our hearts for worship. And may we, like Mary, humbly grasp the significance of the sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ and God's great love for us that caused it to be.

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to die a sinner's death on a cross to free us from the bondage of death and sin for all time. Thank you Jesus that you love us so intimately that you would allow us to rest in your presence. May our hearts be refreshed as we lay everything else aside to spend time at your feet today. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

At the feet of Jesus - 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqYfz4y2gDw

You choose

"For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ." Romans 5:17

When it comes to race shirts, there's always a bit of controversy amidst runners as whether to wear the shirt during the race or wait until after. For many, it comes back to the unwritten rule to never wear something new on race day. But for others, it's the belief that you shouldn't wear it until you've earned it. Whatever your opinion is on that debate, one thing both sides have in common is that the shirt is theirs to do with whatever they wish.

Scripture tells us of something far greater than a race shirt, something given to all who choose to receive it and something that could never be earned. Romans 5:17 says, "But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death.." This "gift" is yours to do with whatever you wish. You can choose to claim it and live in victory over sin and death, conquering, defeating and overcoming it, or you can reject the "gift" and live a defeated life in slavery to sin and the death it brings. The choice is entirely yours.

So what will your decision be today? There's no middle ground because as G.K. Chesterton wisely wrote, "The issue is now clear. It is between light and darkness and everyone must choose his side." 

Heavenly Father, thank you for offering us the priceless gift of righteousness, something we could never earn ourselves no matter how hard we try. Thank you for your grace offered by Jesus Christ that allows us to conquer sin and death and gives us eternal life with you. I pray that those who have not made the decision to accept your "gift" would choose to do so today and enter into your rest. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Call it grace - Unspoken
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAMU68NTVQw

 

Let's thrive!

"Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers." 3 John 1:2

Upon prompting a close friend to sign up for another half marathon, he texted this after completing registration, "thank you, I think???". After laughing heartily,  I texted back that he could thank me by living through it. To my surprise his response was, "I would rather thrive through it." Now that is a great answer I thought! Especially considering that the definition of live is: to remain alive but the definition of thrive is: to prosper or flourish. To merely live through the race implied a goal of only finishing but to thrive suggested a goal of finishing well...having trained hard to run the race at a pace only possible through hard work and faith.  If this were our approach to our Christian walk, think of the impact we could make on the world. If we were not content to merely live out our days but intent on flourishing and thriving physically and spiritually?

In 3 John 1:2, The disciple John showed his concern for his friend Gaius's physical and spiritual health when he wrote, "Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers." John knew that for his friend to perform his Christian duties well, he needed to be growing both physically and spiritually. And the same is true for us. We were made for so much more than to just live. In the words of Casting Crowns, "We were made for so much more than ordinary lives. We were made to thrive."

So if you're just living today, may this be the day you decide to thrive... to be healthy and growing stronger both physically and spiritually. It's then, when we are at our best in both areas, that we can fully perform the duties God is calling us to. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that serves to help us grow stronger in our walk with you. May we not neglect our physical or spiritual health that we might serve you best. Help us to remember that we not made to merely survive but to thrive and work tirelessly to help others and lead the lost to Salvation. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Thrive - Casting Crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jNJ59o4QgE

Perspective

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5

As I was having a pity party over some heel pain that wouldn't go away and caused me to skip a run yesterday, I came across a friend's Facebook post that really humbled me. Dakota Vincent, a young man with Cerebral Palsy from Diamond, MO, wrote about the lessons his suffering (pain more than most of us could ever imagine or will ever experience) had taught him and how God was using it to strengthen him to 'have a great impact on others." In his words:

There's many different severities and forms of Cerebral Palsy, I have a milder case. Both legs and my right arm- and right side are weaker and much worse than the left side. I know many people who have the worst severity of it and every time it breaks my heart! I know what I've personally been through and it's not been easy, so I can only imagine what they've endured. The more serious cases, can't walk or talk. 

The Dr's told my parents I would never walk. I'm walking, yep! CP affects everything on the inside to, things you wouldn't expect! All my muscles on the inside are affected, not just the things that can be visibly seen. Eyes, and speech, and even hearing abilities. 

I wouldn't trade this crazy ride for anything. I've got a crazy awesome view of the world that you might not. I've met some amazing people along the way. It's been a challenge for sure especially the last year, so many complications from major surgery on both legs back in August. From major infection to multiple leg breakings, to my third go at 4 months of pt. to nerve damage. Still have to restart therapy again. 3 more months beginning in two weeks. Nothing I can't get through! I've often thought why I was picked, this goes to everyone who has been through the ringer-

I firmly believe that God puts the challenges on his toughest soldiers! He knows that we will be able to get through the tough stuff without any consolation and have a great impact on others. 

Positive thinking goes a long way! Yep! 

Wow! What a testimony right? Hudson Taylor once wrote, "At the timberline where the storms strike with the most fury, the sturdiest trees are found" Like Dakota, may you and I use those storms of life, the trials, suffering and pain, to develop in us the fortitude we need to press on-and yes, to even delight in our difficulties knowing God is there to hold us.

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would place hardships in our lives that would serve to draw us closer to you. May our experiences be used to help others and, for that, may we rejoice in our sufferings. May we keep our eyes and hearts continually focused on you as we navigate the challenges of this life. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Just be held - Casting Crowns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIZitK6_IMQ

Without a doubt

"Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:30,31

As my son was preparing to leave for his Senior trip to Washington, D.C. Monday, I overheard him talking to his younger sister, "You better give me a hug because you never know what might happen. The plane might go down." What he meant as a joke gave me an opportunity to ask him, "Suppose that happened. Do you know for a fact that you would be going to Heaven?" Flashing that smile that I love so much, he told me not to worry because he knew, without a doubt, where he would spend eternity... with Jesus.

You know that is the most important question in the world yet, sadly, there are many people who don't know the answer. As athletes we like to think we're invincible but we're not. Accidents happen, cancer strikes even the young and healthy and we will all grow old. But unlike the certainty of not knowing when death will end our lives on earth, we can know for sure where we will spend eternity. And to that question of where, there are only two answers.. Heaven or hell. How can you and I know without a doubt then? The bible gives us that answer when it tells the story of the Philippian jailer who asked Paul and Silas, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?", they answered, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved."

Still uncertain? Romans 10:9 gives us this promise, "because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Perhaps you've never accepted Jesus Christ as Lord of your life? If you have yet to make that decision, I hope today is the day you choose to follow him that you might, without a doubt, know where you will spend eternity. 

Heavenly Father, I pray that if there is anyone reading this that has not chosen to follow you they would do so today and pray this prayer: Father, I accept you as Lord of my life. I believe that Jesus is your son and died on the cross to save me from my sins and rose on the third day. I confess that I am a sinner in need of grace and I ask that you come into my heart at this very moment that I may know, without a doubt, that I will spend eternity with you in Heaven. It's in your most precious and holy name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

I choose Jesus - Moriah Peters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL2bZfHmsDs

Disappointed?

"Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 8-10

"I HATE NYC I NYRR I HATE HATE HATE EVERYONE". "The good news is I got rejected a lot quicker this year than the last two years". "I'll keep dreaming big but I'll admit I am a little bummed!". Those were just a few of the tweets deemed the '12 Saddest Tweets' posted on March 8th in reponse to not being accepted into the NYC Marathon. As you can see, there were very different responses to the way these runners dealt with their disappointment. As Christians, we too will experience disappointment throughout our lives. And how we deal with those letdowns will most certainly bring others closer to Christ or have them running quickly in the opposite direction.

In 2 Corinthians, the apostle Paul pleaded with the Lord three times to take away that 'thing' that was causing him grief. But each time the Lord responded, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." While I'm sure that answer brought great disappointment to him, rather than being discouraged or angry, Paul chose to accept it graciously and take comfort in it saying, "So now I boast about my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." Can you imagine the influence he had on those around him? They witnessed Paul's unshakeable faith and trust, in the midst of being disappointed, that God's plan was far better than his own.

Perhaps you're experiencing disappointment today too? May you and I be like Paul trusting that the Lord has better things in store for us. And may we rejoice in our circumstances, good and bad, that others might see our faith in Christ and want to have a personal relationship with him too. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for reigning supreme in our lives and for mapping out the perfect course for us. Although we may not know why things happen Lord, help us to have faith that you are working it out for our good and for your glory. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

In Me-Casting Crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhygM116OuM

We are the church

"And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all." Ephesians 1:22-23

As I stood singing at our church worship service Sunday, I smiled as I thought of the previous Sunday where, while on a marathon course, I was singing praises too (at a worship service of another kind). You see many people view the church as a building or place we have to be at to worship or fellowship with others. But the church is so much more... the church is you, me and all those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ which means it is wherever we are. In fact the word "church" actually comes from the Greek word ekklesia which is defined as "an assembly" or "called-out ones."

Ephesians 1:22, 23 says this, "And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all." The church is the body of Christ, the "assembly" or "called out ones", of which he is the head. What a great reminder that our work is never done then! We are the church whether we are in a building, at home, at work or while running a race. And as the church, we should be busy winning others to Christ every day, helping our neighbors and always giving praises to our King for the gift of Salvation.

So let us be known as the "called-out ones", the ones different from the world as we, the church, share the love of Jesus everywhere we go. And let us not save our praise and worship to be heard only in a building.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that we are the body of Christ, your church, and called out to be different from the world. May the world see You when they look at us as we bring the message of Salvation and share your love to a lost world. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

We are your Church - Celebration Worship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6Rgu_Wg4qU

Izzy's race

"..be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:18-20

Yesterday afternoon I was blessed to participate in a race, but not just any race. This was a very special race for a very special girl named Izzy Trower. You see, Izzy, 13, has Down's Syndrome and, although she doesn't let that stop her from achieving her goals, she has to work a little harder than most of us. So after weeks of training for her first 5k, she was finally ready! And surrounded by family, friends and admirers, she was off and running towards the finish line. 

What made this race different from any other 3.1 mile race I have ever participated in was that each and every runner, walker and volunteer was united with a purpose... to celebrate the accomplishment of one child. As the race went on though, it was apparent that we were celebrating so much more. Shakespeare once wrote, "Now join your hands and with your hands your hearts." On this day there was certainly a lot of hand holding and much joining of our hearts by music unheard by human ears... music from the heart. 

Ephesians 5 tells us to "be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit" as we sing and make music from our hearts to the Lord, "always giving thanks to God the Father for everything,". Everywhere I looked there were people talking, laughing, praising and even singing. The words I heard were of inspiration, motivation and gratitude. This must be what it is to make music to the Lord, I thought, without using instruments but having a melody in our hearts instead as well as on our tongues.

Oh this was truly a day to be thankful for! But with God in our hearts, isn't every day a day to give thanks? A perfect day to speak to one another with songs from the Spirit and to make music from our hearts? I think so. In fact, today is the perfect day to begin if you haven't already. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessing of friendship. You were so gracious to give us friends to strengthen us, comfort us and to help us along life's journey. Thank you for little girls like Izzy Trower who remind us what life is truly all about... holding hands and running through life with a song in our hearts and on our lips. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Making Melody - Matt Redmond

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

Getting some help from some friends

Cassie (2nd from left) completed her first 5k this day as well in support of Izzy, with some help from a few friends of course. 

Officially done! When asked whether she wanted to do this again tomorrow, she politely said, "No thank you."

Checking out her trophy 

Ready to cross the finish line with a little help from her friends. 

The fast, slow and the in between all joined to celebrate Izzy's accomplishment!

Everyone needs  to have their hand held. 

A crazy group of girls excited to see Izzy finish!!

Go ahead and laugh

"And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever." 1 John 2:17

Thanks to digital images and social media, there are now some things that will just live on forever... like really bad finish line race photos. I personally know this because somewhere along the 26.2 mile course at Little Rock last Sunday, unbeknownst to me, a lens had fallen out of my sunglasses. It's a mystery to me how I hadn't noticed but it wasn't until I crossed the finish line to meet up with a friend (who had crossed two minutes earlier) that I realized it. As he pointed at my face and laughed hysterically, I quickly decided that those would be one set of photos that I would never buy.

If we're truthful, I bet you and I could say that there are several things or images that we wish would just fade away or disappear. Well they will. In fact 1 John 2:17 tells us that, "this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave." The greatest part though is the promise that follows assuring us that, "anyone who does what pleases God will live forever." Knowing that everything in this world will soon pass away, including really bad finish line photos, should have us living in anticipation of better things, the eternal life that God has promised us.

So don't take life too seriously. Chuckle at those silly photos and the stupid things you do. Because as e.e. cummings wrote, "The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." All too soon this world and our lives will fade away and we will "live on forever" with our precious Savior.

Heavenly Father, thank you for filling us with your joy that we might laugh at our own mistakes and blunders. Help us to not take life so seriously but to focus on pleasing you in all we say and do that we might live forever in your presence. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org 

Live on Forever - The Afters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IK2irlSvgCg

Don't be deceived

"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life." Galatians 6:7,8

Imagine trying on a new pair of running tights and then looking into the dressing room mirror to find that they made you look about 10 pounds thinner. You would probably buy them right? Well that is exactly what retailers are hoping for. In a Rossen Report aired yesterday a company called The Skinny Mirror has designed and is selling a 'new mirror' that will make every shopper appear to be five to 10 pounds thinner. Pretty deceiving huh? But, in an attempt to justify their so-called deception, the company owner claimed that they were not deceiving anyone but merely using 'clever marketing'.

You know the bible warns you and me to not be fooled into thinking there are no consequences for our actions when it says, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that he will also reap." Regardless of how we try and justify the things we do,  this is the truth... every action has results and you and I will reap what we sow. If we plant seeds to fulfill our own desires and obtain wealth, we will reap heartache, sorrow, regret and corruption. But if we plant to please God, we will reap peace, joy, contentment and everlasting life. There's no 'clever marketing' needed for the truth.

So what kind of seeds are you planting today?  

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of eternal life and the peace and joy that come through a life of following you. Help us to not be deceived by others nor try and trick anyone for our gain but to sow seeds for the Kingdom that we might encourage others to do the same and reap the benefit of eternal life. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Reap what you sow - Daniel Winans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn6DfOigmHs

http://www.today.com/style/skinny-mirror-wall-it-fair-or-not-all-t78806

Handle it rightly

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

At the Austin Marathon on February 26, Chandi Moore of Austin, TX,  won the women’s race in 3:02:17, a 30-minute personal record. Considering this was only her second marathon,  I'm sure she will get even faster. What she attributed to her drastic improvement was the decision to train with a GPS watch, "The second I put that watch on and started being told what my mile pace was, it changed everything for me." By using the watch, the truth was indeed revealed- she had not been training at her very best and was capable of so much more. 

Speaking of truth revealed, 2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." Paul was instructing us that to do our very best "as one approved" requires that we train in the Word diligently and daily. That means reading and understanding scripture so well that we would be considered "rightly handling the word of truth".

Did you know that God will ultimately examine what kind of workers we have been? So today, and every day, may you and I strive to do our best as we allow the truth to reveal the extent of our efforts. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that serves as our guide and the ultimate authority on which to gauge our progress as approved workers. May we train in it daily, always striving to learn more, that we might rightly handle the truth and be unashamed of our use of it and explanation of it to others. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Well done - Moriah Peters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu1VwK0fY9g

http://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/a-30-minute-pr-vaults-local-runner-to-a-surprise-austin-marathon-victory#

Little Rock Marathon 2016

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand." Proverbs 19:21

Wow! What a day it was yesterday running the Little Rock Marathon. Preparing for the 7:00 a.m. start had me in the hotel lobby pretty early for breakfast. And as I waited for my friends to join me, I sat next to a few anxious runners (two first time marathoners and one who I felt needed some encouragement) and shared some helpful tips on making it to the finish line. As they seemed to still be worried, I testified about the power of Christ in my life and hoped that they knew Him as well. They did! As one of those new friends wiped away her tears and thanked me for the reminder, she said she hoped that she would see me on the course. To that I placed my bracelet on her wrist that read, "I can do all things though Christ who strengthens me", and replied, "If God's purpose is for you to see me, then you can count on it."

And wouldn't you know that is exactly what happened! With about 8 miles left in her race, I saw her after the turnaround about 100 feet away (and about 2 miles behind me). As I shouted some motivating words to her, she smiled joyfully, lifted up her wrist and pointed to the bracelet. With about 6,000 runners in this race, that was no coincidence! You know what's funny though? To have been at that exact spot to see her required many variances in pace and terrain which allowed me to finish with a chip time of 4:13 (think Philippians 4:13, the verse on the bracelet), something that has never happened! Oh God was indeed determining each one of my steps as he was hers.

Proverbs 16:9 tells us that, "We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps." and Proverbs 19:21 says that, "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand." You see, when you are a Christian runner, you can plan your race and you can even plan your finish time but God's purpose will prevail. That's something that is true of our lives on and off the race course though. We can map out our day and make a check off list for each thing we need to do and the time it needs to be done but you and I should be open and willing to having our plans 'interrupted'.

So today, if you find things not going as scheduled, take a moment to look around. It could be that God has a purpose for you... one worth welcoming a change of plans for. 

Heavenly Father, how amazing it is to see you working in us to help and encourage others! May we welcome with joy, and humility at being used, those changes in our plans to fulfill your purpose. May we allow you to determine our steps each and every day as we surrender our will for yours. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

I will go - Big Daddy Weave

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgvlu8yfgMA

Blessed to have met another TEAM413 member, Larry, who very soon after this photo was taken found out that his mother was rushed to the hospital (back in Los Angeles) and texted his new friends for prayer that he would make it home to see her in time. God's timing is perfect as our 'meeting'  allowed us to pray for him. 

Blessed to have these crazy friends who share the passion of reaching the lost and being an encouragement to others!

*This was a really well organized race. The course had a variety of twists, turns and hills to keep your mind focused and I loved the turnarounds which allowed a person to see (and encourage) runners coming in the other direction. The medals were huge and the post race gathering spot a welcome relief for tired runners. God willing, my friends and I agreed that we would most certainly be back next year. 

Now is the time

"That is why the LORD says, "Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning." Joel 2:12

C.S. Lewis once wrote, "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." Bob Hayes, 89, of Evero, Montana, is proof of that. At the age of 60, he took up running and estimates that he’s run about 100-125 marathons or ultra marathons and 600 races in all since then. With no plans of stopping anytime soon, he said, "I’m just going to keep running as long as I can. I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to do it, but I just keep going because if I stop, that’ll be the end and they’ll haul me off through the pearly gates.” Bob is currently training for a 30k in June and a 50k on August 6, just 16 days before he turns 90. 

Talk about making the most of the time you have left. The prophet Joel talked about it too when he warned the people of Judah, "Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping and mourning." God was telling the people then, and he is telling the people now, to turn to him "while there is still time." And, because you and I aren't promised tomorrow, now may be all we have. 

Today is the day then, the now time, to turn to the Lord! May our greatest objective be to follow Christ 'through the pearly gates'.

Heavenly Father, help us to know that it is not too late to repent and give our lives to you. If there's anyone waiting for the perfect time, may today be the day that they set a new goal of running the race with you all the way to the finish line. May they turn to you and give you their heart and their lives.  It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.  

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Matt Maher - Turn around

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRYJ5TKEy1w

http://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/watch-new-film-will-feature-89-year-old-ultra-runner

Do it Today!

"And concerning Israel, Isaiah the prophet cried out, “Though the people of Israel are as numerous as the sand of the seashore, only a remnant will be saved. For the LORD will carry out his sentence upon the earth quickly and with finality.” Romans 9:27,28

Just recently I discovered a website that offered a significant discount on running shoes. As you might expect, I immediately shared the good news with several of my running buddies. As I did though, I couldn't help but think about how many of us find it easy to share the details of deals and discounts with our friends (and even strangers) but remain silent when it comes to sharing the most important 'deal' of a lifetime.

In Romans 9, we are given this warning, "For the LORD will carry out his sentence upon the earth quickly and with finality." Did you get that part? Judgement upon this earth will be quick and it will be final. There will be no second chances and we are told that, "Though the people of Israel are as numerous as the sand on the seashore, only a remnant will be saved." The use of the term remnant tells you and me that only a very small percentage of people will enter into Heaven. Knowing that then, where is our sense of urgency? Why are we not telling others about Jesus Christ, the only way by which we may be saved and the biggest 'deal' anyone could ever benefit from? 

While the bible is clear that no one knows the day or time when Christ will return, we do know that it will be when we least expect it and, when it happens, there will be no time left to heed the warning of the prophet Isaiah. So may we be bold Christians and share with our friends and strangers the 'deal' of a lifetime. Do it today! There may not be a moment to spare. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that is so clear that you are indeed coming back at a time when we least expect it and that our judgement upon the earth, and upon us, will be quick and final. As Christians, may we take this warning seriously and love others enough to urgently share the Gospel with them that they may join the remnant that will be saved. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Are you ready? - Becka Shae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-mrJqhNR5c

Just breathe

"You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth. You will restore me to even greater honor and comfort me once again." Psalm 71:20,21

On many mornings I like to end my long or hard runs with a leisurely jog around the town's cemetery. There's just something peaceful about it with its old oak trees and packed gravel trails interweaving between the markers that I find comforting. On one such morning just recently, I came upon a mother placing flowers on her son's grave. Unfortunately I knew the story all too well-several years earlier the young man had died of a drug overdose and she was left to mourn his passing. So as I discreetly watched her finish her work and then sit quietly beside his headstone, I praised the God of all comfort and prayed that she was experiencing his peace at that very moment. 

While I don't know why bad things happen, I know they do (even to the most faithful Christians). Sometimes they are because of our bad choices and sometimes not. What matters though is, when they happen (and they will), we have a God that loves us so dearly that we can call on Him. In Psalm 71, the Psalmist says, "You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth." If that promise wasn't good enough, we are then given this one, "You will restore me to even greater honor and comfort me once again."

Maybe you're experiencing this kind of sorrow today? The kind that knocks you to the ground and leaves you feeling as if you will never be able to get back up? Just breathe my friend. Call on the Lord and allow him to restore you to life again for He is indeed the God of all comfort and restoration. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you personally would be our comfort, our strength and our encourager when we are going through hardship. Help us to remember that you are a constant source of peace during those times we feel our life is out of control. Oh Lord, praise you for your promise to "comfort me once again." It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Tell your heart to beat again - Danny Gokey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F77v41jbOYs&list=RDF77v41jbOYs

See for yourself

"So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." John 20:25

While preparing to dress for my run yesterday morning, I checked my phone to get the weather forecast only to hear the morning news weatherman give a different prediction. Now, not really trusting either account, I headed outside to see for myself. Sometimes that's the only way to be sure isn't it?

In John 20:25, Thomas also needed to 'see for himself' before believing. When the disciples told him that they had seen the Lord after his resurrection, 'Doubting Thomas' (as he would later be dubbed) said, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."  A week later Jesus appeared to Thomas and took away any doubts Thomas had that Jesus was indeed alive. Sadly many of us are like Thomas. We won't believe unless we see for ourselves. Yet the proof is all around us. Jesus shows himself in creation, in his Word and in the Holy Spirit that guides us. 

Maybe you still find yourself doubting today whether God is real? I invite you to 'see for yourself'. Open the pages of scripture and let Him speak to you-pray and allow Him to reveal himself to you. Just as Jesus did with Thomas, he longs to do for you and me... he longs to make us believers.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence that is all around us if we would only look for it. Help us to search for you that we might have no doubts that you are real, you are alive and that you love us enough to show yourself to us through prayer and bible reading that we might be true believers. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Nails in your hands - Mercy Me

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