House hunting?

"In My Father’s house there are many mansions. And if not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also." John 14:2,3

Last weekend I was blessed to participate in the Gracerunner Journey 72 hour relay in Seacoast, Florida. Since we were all running a main loop the majority of the time, my running partner and I liked to veer off the 'beaten path' to look for new routes or exciting things to see that would occupy our minds. On our second morning, my friend, seeing an Oceanside community sprawling with mansions said, "Hey, wanna do some house hunting?", to which I replied, "Oh yeah, let's do this." As we ran past these beautiful homes surrounded by white sandy beaches, private pools and multi-car garages, we picked out the homes we would purchase the day we said we won the lottery. What a great way to pass the time right?

You know, as charming and elegant as these homes were though, I smiled as I thought how they would all pale miserably in comparison with the one being prepared for every believer. When speaking with the disciples after the Last Supper, Jesus explained that he would be going away to a place they could not follow yet saying, "In my Father's house there are many mansions... And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will receive you to Myself, that where I am, you will be also." You see,  we can look forward to this with certainty because Jesus promised it. When he said that he was going to prepare a place for you and me, Jesus meant it! 

So, while most of us will never have the money it would take to reside in one of these palatial estates by the ocean, we can be assured of a greater mansion awaiting us. For all those who believe, the promise is true... He is coming again to take us home.

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the dwellings you have provided us here as we travel to our final destination. May we forever be grateful that you meet our daily needs but also mindful that our time is best spent working towards acquiring an eternal mansion rather than worldly goods. Help us Lord to be humble stewards of all we have knowing what you provide us is all we need. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Audio Adrenaline - Big house

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

TEAM 413 Gracerunner Journey 2016

"Look, even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:36,37

The distance from Seacrest, Florida, where the 2016 Gracerunner Journey took place, to my home near Lake Ozark, Missouri is 818.5 miles. While that would certainly take a long time to drive, can you imagine running it in three days? Seems impossible doesn't it? But that's just what 14 members of TEAM 413 did over the Memorial Day weekend. Together, and by God's grace, we were not only able to complete this distance in a 72 hour relay (from 6 am Friday-6 am Monday) but went even further to run a whopping 856.63 miles (with countless other members joining us virtually all across the country). With each mile that passed, the seemingly impossible happened. As was the case with Elizabeth. 

Elizabeth, the wife of Zechariah the priest and Mary's cousin, was barren and beyond her child-bearing years when an angel of the Lord told her husband that she would give birth to a son that was to be named John. While the Bible doesn't tell us how old she and Zechariah were, they were old enough to elicit his response of sheer doubt and unbelief to the revelation. From a human perspective, this was absolutely impossible. But as we know, their son, John the Baptist, was indeed born to Elizabeth and grew to fulfill his purpose of preparing the people for the coming of the Lord.

Throughout history, God has been doing the impossible through those who believe the promise, "For nothing will be impossible with God." And it is still true today. God is still keeping his promises and He is still making the impossible possible-if we would only believe.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the many saints that have gone before us and have achieved the impossible because they believed in your Word. David killed a giant with a sling and a stone. Moses parted the seas with the raise of his staff and the walls of Jericho came tumbling down with a blow of the trumpets. Oh Lord, give us the same faith to believe that nothing is impossible with you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Impossible possible - Jared Anderson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH63wQBerpA

Off for another leg of the relay

We ran through the night in pairs for 72 hours straight

Members taking time out to pose for a photo

Logging virtual miles from Hawaii

Logging virtual miles from Texas

The founder of TEAM 413 and his wife. He is always pushing us to attempt the impossible. God is so good!!

Bonding before the journey begins

The joy of the Lord is your strength

"Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

When a friend and fellow TEAhM 413 member was recently diagnosed with cancer, he and his wife, DeEtte, were determined to fight it and even more determined to not let the disease steal their happiness. They attacked each day with humor and a little sarcasm to the dismay of some. To which she wrote, "I wish everyone understood that our world is made up of people who deal with things differently and that Larry and I chose to approach all things with humor (even sarcasm or satire,) even CANCER, because we aren't ever going to let this get the best of us and because that is who we are and what we do, together! Our humor makes a difference in our lives in a good way just like your negativity makes a difference in a bad way..."

The book of Nehemiah tells the story of how the people were weeping openly when they heard God's laws and realized how far they had strayed from it. Like a disease, sin had spread through their hearts and they were overcome with sadness at their condition. But Ezra was telling them that, no matter what they had done, the day was holy and their was no need for sorrow by instructing them, "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." And it's in that joy that they could find the strength to put their lives back together. Elliott's Commentary says this, "You will make nothing of it by indulgence in lamentation and in mourning. You will have no more power for obedience, you will not be fit for your work, if you fall into a desponding state. Be thankful and glad; and remember that the purest worship is the worship of God-fixed joy."

So, no matter what you might be facing today, let us take delight in knowing that God is our refuge. Let us be joyous as we praise and worship him in the storm, in the calm and in everything in between. And as my friend so wisely said, humor does indeed makes a difference. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of laughter. It can surely transform tears of sorrow into praises of worship. Help us to keep the joy in our hearts that we might find strength knowing that you are our refuge. I pray for Larry and DeEtte today Lord. I pray that they would be filled with abundant joy each and every day. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Joy of the Lord - Rend Collective

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcG9HApTC_Q

Keep your word

"Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes of the people of Israel, saying, “This is what the Lord has commanded. If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth." Numbers 30:1,2

In the past four months, Izaic Yorks, a senior at the University of Washington, has run personal bests at four distances, including the mile (3:53.89). That mile was the third-fastest in NCAA indoor history and best ever by an American collegian. With his sights now set on the Olympic trials, he explained why he was working so hard. Many years ago, while watching the 2008 Olympics with his handicapped sister, she told him that she would really like to go there one day. His response? "I’d always been good at running and had at least some talent for it, even though I wasn’t competing yet, and so I told her at that moment that I’d do everything that I could to take her there, to the Olympics. And for me, ever since, that promise has been what’s driven me through all the adversity in the sport and driven me to get better."

Talk about someone who took a promise seriously! You know the bible tells us that making a vow or promise to God or someone else is not something to be taken lightly or done with no intention of fulfilling. In the book of Numbers, Moses reminded the people that their promises to God and others must be kept saying that when a man makes a vow "he shall not break his word" and "shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth". In those times, people didn't sign a written contract but knew their word was just as binding.  Not fulfilling an oath led to broken trust and damaged reputations and relationships. Our time is no different you know. A broken promise is still as harmful today as it was then.

So let us today keep every promise we make and only make promises we can keep. Let us be known as people who keep their word to others and especially to God.

Heavenly Father, please help us to see the importance of keeping our word, of doing the things we vow to do that we might be found faithful, upstanding and true. Help us to follow your example as you have never broken a promise. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Your promises - Elevation Worship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9NkuQHUta4

http://www.runnersworld.com/college/aspiring-olympian-seeks-to-deliver-on-promise-to-his-sister

Walk the walk

"And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us." Titus 2:7,8

Eamonn Kelly, 32, was born with cystic fibrosis, a disease that affects the lungs. Kelly had always loved running but couldn't continue after college due to the progression of the disease. On April 30th though, he celebrated his life-saving double-lung transplant by running a 5k. Immediately following the surgery in October, he started walking, moved onto pulmonary rehab and then to running. He said, "I started with 15 seconds on the treadmill and just built it up a little bit more every day until I was able to run three miles.” The Boston teacher went on to say, “I really want the kids to see this as an example of perseverance and resilience. If there is something you want to achieve, you set your goal and work towards it a little bit at a time every day."

Wow! The world could certainly use more role models like Eamonn couldn't it? People who strive to live a life worthy of imitation? Who look for ways to inspire others to do good? The apostle Paul knew the importance of being that example when he urged Titus to do so telling him that everything he did should reflect the integrity and seriousness of his teaching. He wanted his walk to be a mirror reflection of his talk and an example for all to follow. In other words, Paul was telling Titus that his lifestyle should directly match and follow what he was teaching and instructing others to do. 

Dr. Steve Maraboli wrote, "Most people will talk the talk, few will walk the walk; be amongst those few." May each one of us be 'amongst those few' who follow that advice each and every day as we strive to be an example of what it truly means to walk with Christ. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that gives us the ultimate examples to imitate. Help us to be like Paul and Titus and do good works of every kind that we might show the world what it means to live a life walking in the truth. May our actions match our words and may they bring you glory. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Follow me there - Third Day

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

make it right

"So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God." Matthew 5:23,24

On Thursday last week the organizers of New Jersey's Wild Half half marathon apologized to their 2016 participants and announced that they would be offering them a discounted entry into their 2017 race. The headlines read, "Organizers of Short Half Marathon Offer Discount to Make Amends." Not only was the race distance shorter than the 13.1 distance, a large number of runners, (due to lack of signs) mistook an aid station for the turnaround point just ahead and lost an additional .03 mile. In their email to the runners, the race directors expressed their regret, acknowledged their mistake and set out to 'make it right'. As you can see, these wise organizers knew the importance of acting quickly on their mistakes to avoid any future problems. 

Scripture also tells us of the importance of restoring broken or damaged relationships as soon as possible when it instructs us to 'make it right' with anyone that we might have a problem with or bitterness towards before we offer our sacrifice to God. You see broken relationships can hinder our relationship with the Lord. How can you and I offer him our worship when we aren't loving others the way he has commanded us to? How can we love him with our whole hearts if that same heart has a part that holds hatred or a grievance against someone else? Quite simply, we can't. 

So today, if "someone has something against you" or you need to 'make it right' with someone, don't waste another second. "Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God." 

Heavenly Father, we thank you so much your forgiveness each and every day for the things we have done against you. Help us to forgive others in the same way that we might be an example of your love for all to see. If we hold something against someone today or feel that they hold something against us, may we be bold in pursuing reconciliation that we might offer you a sacrifice of unhindered praise and worship. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Forgiveness - Matthew West

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

http://www.runnersworld.com/races/organizers-of-short-half-marathon-offer-discount-to-make-amends

Open letter to my son at graduation

"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13,14

Of the many races I have been blessed to participate in, viewing the finish line has always been kind of bittersweet. In one way or another, even in the hardest and most grueling of runs, I always knew the time spent pushing through was a gift (an undeserved blessing) that I wished would continue. Each race taught me different lessons that left me with memories that I will be forever grateful for. But today I find myself approaching a finish line I hoped would never come-one that I prayed would hold off just a little while longer... just another day, another moment. This one is to be the most bittersweet finish of all.

My dearest son, I have enjoyed every step of this race with you, from your first steps to these. It's been the greatest season of my life and I thank God every day for choosing me to be your mother and allowing me to guide you along your journey to the place you are right now. You and I have both grown and changed and I am certainly the better for it. We have walked this life together with God at our side. To say I'm proud of you is a huge understatement but I don't have the words to say any more. I am proud of you son. I am proud of the man you have become and the walk with Jesus you have embraced. I am proud of you for the choices you have made and the hard work you have done that have led to this day. And I love you with all my heart. I have loved you from the moment I saw you and I will love you for eternity.

Today, as you walk across that stage, there will be bittersweet tears as I thank God for the time we have had together and praise Him for the plans he has for you. I pray that no matter where this life leads you, you will have the courage to stay faithful, upright and uncompromising in your faith. Proverbs 16:3 gives you this promise Luke, "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Above wealth and fame, may your goal be to press on toward the goal, to commit to the Lord all you do that you might find true success and happiness. Our run together is finished. It was amazing, crazy and worth every step but today you begin your very own. Today you step up to a new start line. Go and make the world a better place.

Heavenly Father, I cannot thank you enough for choosing me to be Luke's mother. I knew he was never truly mine. Let my prayer today and everyday be that he would commit his life to you and trust you to lead the way. And when life gets hard, and it will, that he would recall the many times you have proven yourself faithful and true. Give him the faith that would move mountains Lord and the courage to step out into the unknown. It's in your most precious name I pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Find your wings - Mark Harris

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPQ9WvSZnF0

new and improved

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Yesterday, while on my morning run, I heard someone yell my name. As I looked around, there across the busy roadway, were two friends I hadn't seen in a while (also on their morning run) waving happily. When I finally navigated my way to where they were waiting, one of them said, "We didn't know if that was you or not. I can usually tell it's you by the way you run but you're not running the same. Good thing you were wearing your TEAM 413 shirt because that's how we recognized  you." I laughed as I jokingly told them that, since I had been working on correcting my form, I was now  "new and improved". 

"New and improved." Shouldn't that be a stamp on the forehead of every Christian? The bible tells us that when we choose to follow Christ our sins are forgiven and we are no longer the same person. Although we may still look the same on the outside, we are totally transformed on the inside. Think of it this way-once a caterpillar emerges from its cocoon as a beautiful butterfly, it can never go back to being a caterpillar. It's a new creation! That's you and me my friend. The day we chose to follow Jesus Christ we became "new and improved."

And the best part? Anyone, no matter what they've done or where they've been, can be transformed into something beautiful, a new creation. Isn't that cause for great celebration? I certainly think so. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your sanctifying work in us. Thank you for not only forgiving us of our sins but transforming us into something beautiful that you can use. Help us to live our lives in gratitude each and every day. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Made new - Lincoln Brewster

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd4qtmDGIWQ

danger up ahead

"Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” Jonah 3:3,4

At least once a week I have the blessing of meeting a friend or two (sometimes more) for a morning run. While driving to the park early yesterday to meet one, the driver of an approaching car traveling in the opposite direction, quickly flashed his lights to warn me of some type of danger up ahead. As I slowed down and proceeded with caution, I saw the 'danger' was only a highway patrolmen looking for speeders. Had I not been going the speed limit though, I certainly could have gotten into trouble without that alert. That brief experience had me thinking how ironic it was that complete strangers would warn one another of a possible 'danger up ahead' but were hesitant or unwilling to alert them to the biggest danger of all? 

Jonah, called by God to go and warn the godless Ninevites of their impending doom or the 'danger up ahead', resisted doing it at first and ran away from his duties. Eventually God had his way with him (remember the whale?), and the rebellious Jonah finally acted and obeyed. After he went to Nineveh, he did as he was told and went into the streets proclaiming, "Forty more days and Ninevah will be overthrown." The bible then tells us (v.5-10) that the people believed! The king immediately issued a proclamation declaring a fast, a period of mourning, a call to repentance and an order to pray that God would have compassion on them. And verse 10 gives us the happy ending to the story, "When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened."

The people of Ninevah were saved because Jonah obeyed. You know our world is not much different today as it was then-and each one of us is called to warn others of the consequences of turning away from God. The threat is real and the time is urgent. Will you be obedient and warn others that there is danger up ahead?

Heavenly Father, thank you for promising to forgive our sins if we would turn to you and repent. As forgiven sinners, may we feel an urgency to warn others of the consequences of a life lived apart from you. Help us to be bold, Lord, as we declare the message that there is only one way to eternal life and that is through you. 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

Garbage in, garbage out

"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." Proverbs 4:23

While taking a day oftf to cross train yesterday, I surveyed the scene in front of my exercise machine. Of the many people sweating away on the treadmills, the ellipticals and in the weight room, only one person was sans headphones. That meant the rest of us were either listening to the radio or a playlist, streaming music or enjoying a podcast all the while putting thoughts and things into our minds. And since the mind can potentially store 100 trillion thoughts, wouldn't it be a good idea to remember the old saying "garbage in, garbage out"?

You see everything we put into our minds, good or bad, has the potential to determine how we act and think. What we take in by either listening, watching or reading will be what we put out through words and actions. And if it's 'garbage' in, or things contradictory to God's word, guess what happens? You guessed it... garbage out. The bible is so clear about keeping ourselves free from tainted or ungodly thoughts that it gives us this command, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." Doing that begins with first guarding your mind-protecting it from anything that could tempt you or lead you astray. 

Zig Ziglar, a renowned motivational speaker and Christian, wisely said, "You are what you are and where you are because of what has gone into your mind. You can change what you are and where you go by changing what goes into your mind." May you and I see the importance then of protecting our minds and hearts from any influence that might take us to a place we would only regret going later.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your kindness, mercy and grace to forgive us when we have strayed from your Word. Help us to realize that what we put into our minds will ultimately affect how we think and act no matter how harmless it may seem. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Slow Fade - Casting Crowns

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

Do everything

"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." Colossians 3:23

Two talented runners from Kenya took first place at the Healthy Kidney 10k on Saturday in New York's Central Park. And the prize for winning? A whopping $25,000 each. For Lucas Rotich (top male), who ran it in 28:29, that amounted to making $877.71 per minute. And Cynthia Lemo (top female) who finished in 31:39 earned about $788.89 per minute. The second-place finishers didn't do too bad either. They each took home $10,000 with the third place earning a respectable $5,000 apiece for their labor. Not too bad for a day's work huh?

Now that we've daydreamed of how exciting it would be to have a job like that, it's probably time to get back to work. And whatever that job may happen to be, the bible tells us to do it willingly as though we were working for the Lord and not for man. You see no job is too insignificant, small or menial when we have the right motive and perspective. When we do it to please the Lord, as if we are working directly for Him, we will do it (no matter what that 'it' is) to the best of our ability and with joy in our hearts. Just think of it this way. You have been hired by the greatest Boss of all time to do the job you're doing right now. He could have picked anyone but he picked you!

So whether you're a soldier, a janitor, a teacher, a ditch digger or a stay-at-home parent, take pride in what you do knowing that you are ultimately serving God not man. And as Rick Warren says, "When you are working with all your heart, motivated by the love of Christ, your work is transformed into an act of worship for God." Now doesn't that thought put a smile on your face as you head to work?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the job that we have. Thank you for providing it as a means to acquire the things we need or to serve others. Help us to fulfill our duties as best we possibly can knowing that we are working to please you and no one else. May we enter our workplace with joy today set on completing whatever task comes our way. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Do everything - Steven Curtis Chapman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVTeIMursb8

What will you leave?

"Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:31-33

My favorite runs are usually the ones off the beaten path, hitting a trail or one of the many country roads around the Ozarks. Yesterday's route was perfect then as it took me down a country lane and past an open field that caught my attention. There, next to an ancient wooden fence post, was a group of dazzling white blooming irises. But unlike the daisies and black-eyed susans that could be seen sprinkling the pasture, whose seeds were most likely carried by the wind or birds, these were not there by chance. No. These flowers, which come from bulbs that have to be planted by hand, were undoubtedly sown when the house was still standing and it's inhabitants still alive. An even closer look revealed a portion of its foundation, ravaged by time but still standing. Oh Lord, I prayed, I want to leave behind more than flowers and a house. Show me how to leave a legacy of faith instead for my children and generations to come.  

I love how Matthew 6:33 clearly reveals the answer when it says, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." While we all need certain 'things' like a place to live, a car or food and clothes, many of us make the pursuit of these 'things' our priority. It could be that we confuse our needs with our wants or we simply don't trust God enough to wait. Either way, one thing is certain, going after those 'things' is exactly what happens when you and I take our eyes off God and focus them on the things of the world. So do you see why it's so important to seek Him first? The bible tells us that our heavenly Father knows what we need! And when we focus on Him, we can rest assured that he will provide those things at the right time.

Chuck Palahniuk wrote, "We all die. The goal isn't that we live forever. The goal is that we create something that will." Today and every day, may our goal be to seek God first. May our example then leave a legacy of faithfulness, conviction and steadfastness that our children will see, remember, emulate and pass down. And like those flowers, may the seeds of our hope in Christ spread!

Heavenly Father, thank you for your promise to meet our needs if we would only seek you first. Help us to see beyond what the world says we need that we might not be led astray in our pursuit of them at the expense of our family. May we live our lives in such a way that we would have no regrets on the example of faith that we showed to our children. We ask this in your most precious name Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Legacy - Nichole Nordeman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHX3qV83W3k

It's not okay

"Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel." Proverbs 20:17

Upon arriving early at my son's all day track meet last weekend, I was told that his event wouldn't be taking place for several hours so I decided to go for a much needed run. When I arrived back, I found that my husband had already paid and entered leaving me outside with no money. As I was calling him, one of my son's teammates told me to just go on in saying, "with the way you're dressed you look like a coach and they get in free". When I explained to him how that would be cheating, he laughingly rebutted, "but it's only five bucks." Whether it was five dollars or 500 dollars, I told him, it was wrong-and while it would be easy to just walk right in, it wasn't worth the guilt of knowing that I had been dishonest (not to mention that my actions would have told this young man that it was okay to cheat).

It's funny how the world has different shades of grey when it comes to dishonesty isn't it? It's seems perfectly okay to stiff someone out of five dollars but not fifty or a hundred. Even if a person never gets caught, the bible tells us that there are consequences. Consider these words penned by Soloman, the wisest man to ever live, "Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel." He was explaining how 'getting away with something' can seem like a sweet thrill to a person for a time. Eventually though, that excitement is replaced with the reality of sin's aftermath and it's once sweet taste identified for what it truly is... bitter, rotten and rancid.

Thomas Brooks, in his book Voices from the Past, wrote "For the love of one little sin, some have lost God, and their souls forever. Many times small sins are more dangerous. Great sins startle the soul, and awaken it to repentance, but little ones breed and work secretly until they trample the soul. Sin grows by degrees until you cannot prevail over it. O that God would open the eyes of a sinner to see the horrid vileness of all sin."

Heavenly Father, help us to see the importance of avoiding all sin and compromise. Help us to recognize it even when the world cannot or tells us 'it's okay'. Help us to do this so that we might be an example to others of what it means to be a faithful follower that they might see the light of Christ and be drawn to it. Most of all help us to not compromise in the least that we would not sin against you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

 

No Compromise - Planet Shakers

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

Say the words

"An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy." Proverbs 27:5,6

I was blessed to run with a dear friend yesterday whose input and opinion I trust very much. So when I asked him to watch my form (something I've been working hard on correcting) and tell me if my pronation on my left side looked good, I knew I would hear the truth. Rather than being 'kind' and saying my gait was finally perfect, he pointed out that my right side now looked bad. You see, that's what sincere friends do. They don't tell us what we would like to hear or allow us to continue doing things that might harm us-out of love, true friends correct us. My friend's honesty pointed out a small problem that, left unchanged, could have resulted in large injuries later.

The bible clearly shows us the value of loving correction when it says, "An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy." A true friend shows their love by giving us unpleasant advice, directly and openly chastising us when necessary, to keep us on the right path. While these admonishing words may wound or sting for a bit, they are far better for us to hear than the 'nice but untrue' ones being secretly whispered into our ears. And they are even greater still than the kiss from a false friend assuring us all is well as we plunge into danger. 

Margaret Guenther wrote, "We all need friends with whom we can speak of our deepest concerns, and who do not fear to speak the truth in love to us." As much as it hurts. I will choose and cherish those friends that will tell me the truth. And as much as it pains me at times to say words of rebuke, I will be that same friend to others. Will you?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of friendship. Thank you for those people who will say the words we need to hear especially when we don't want to hear them. Help us to humbly accept and give advice and criticism, when needed, out of love. And help us all to cherish and appreciate the godly friendships you have provided knowing they serve to make us stronger and more mature Christians. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Say the Words - DC Talk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QexZ4zuRlYc

Stop stressing

"Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel." Philippians 4:6,7 (CEV)

84-year-old Jules Winkler from Medford, New York ran his 41st marathon on April 18th. Of being able to run that far at his age he reported that, with a little luck and some common sense, all of us can enjoy a long and healthy running life. And one of his biggest tips for doing so? Stop stressing. He explained that putting too much pressure on himself to race well only left him discouraged. But when he finally gave his running a new and better purpose (fund-raising was that purpose) he became grateful for every finish no matter the time. He went on to say that, "Completing a marathon at any speed is an accomplishment."

Stop stressing. That's wonderful advice for all ages isn't it? In a world full of deadlines, duties and crazy schedules how can we do that though? The bible gives us this answer, "Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything." Oh I love that part and it gets better, "With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God." When we do this, when we give to God the things we can't handle or stress about, he gives us this amazing promise, "Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel." This peace comes from knowing that God is in control! No matter what is happening around us, He is with us. Since we belong to Christ, our destiny is set and we have victory over our fears, worries and anxiety. 

So what do you find yourself worried about today? Is there any problem or situation too big for God? Of course not. So stop stressing. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would allow us to approach the throne with our stresses, worries and heartaches. Help us to come to you as a first response rather than a last resort that we might avoid the anxiety and unrest stress places on the body and mind. And help us to be grateful in any situation knowing that You are in control. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen, 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Karen Wheaton - Look what the Lord has done

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFka4FbcsCE

http://www.runnersworld.com/boston-marathon/6-things-you-can-learn-from-an-84-year-old-marathoner

Follow the lead

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1

Scott Phillips of Chicago and Stergios Sioutis of Attica, Greece had never met before this year's Boston Marathon but crossed the finish line together anyway. You see, Sioutis is blind. He was being led by a guide until mile 19 when the guide, feeling the effects of the heat, began to vomit and was unable to carry on. As Phillips caught up to them and saw what was happening, he immediately offered to lead this stranger to the race's end. After some prompting from the guide, Sioutis gratefully transferred his rope-like tether to Phillip's wrist, and they were off and running again. Sioutis later said, "With him I felt safe and confident that I could run and finish in a good time. I cannot think of what would have become otherwise." In other words, there was something about this new friend that made Stergios trust him.

When Paul wrote these words to the church in Corinth, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ", he too was holding out the rope-hoping the people there would trust him. At that time, the Corinthian believers did not know much about Jesus and his ministry (and the Gospels were yet to be written) so Paul couldn't tell them to follow Jesus' example. Paul knew though, although he wasn't sinless, he could be that example to follow. Because he was so confident about his love for and obedience to the Savior, he knew that when they imitated him, they would be imitating Christ. 

I wonder if we can say the same? When people see you and me, can they see Christ in us? Can they trust that, by following our example, they will make it to the eternal finish line?  May we live our lives so that others will say, as Sioutis said about Phillips after the race, that our assistance was "God's gift."

Heavenly Father,  thank you for giving us those people who will help lead us to you when we have gone astray or are searching for answers. Help us to unselfishly be that guide to others as we pursue a life focused on helping and serving others that they might see Christ in us. May we walk so closely with you that we might lead others by our example. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Lead me - Sanctus Real

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffBG7JAvBiw

I'll do it!

"The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields." Luke 10:1,2

As my son's high school district track meet was set to take place last Saturday, the athletes were assigned their usual events. However, there was no one to run the men's mile and when the coach asked for a volunteer, there were no takers. That is until Mikey said, "I'll do it." His teammates laughed as they reminded him that he was a shot-putter not a runner. But Mikey didn't care as he reaffirmed his decision, "I'll do it." He was part of the team. He saw a need and he filled it. Later that day, I was blessed to watch this young man run as hard as he could and finish the race (smiling even as he came in last place) to the cheers of his friends and coaches.

I have to tell you that I love this kid's attitude! When it comes to filling a need, the bible tells us of an even greater endeavor that needs volunteers, those people willing to step up and say, "I'll do it." Before sending out the disciples Jesus had chosen, he instructed them saying, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest: ask him to send more workers into his fields." No doubt there were many other people following Jesus at that time, but how many were willing to go? They didn't need to be qualified, they didn't need a formal education or a large bank account or any amazing physical abilities, they simply needed a heart willing to do what was asked of them. And the same is true of us. We only have to be willing to be a worker in "his fields."

In this fallen world full of lost and lonely people, will you be the one to say, "I'll do it."? Will you, knowing it will be hard, venture out to reap a harvest? And will you join with me in praying that God would send more workers into his fields? Oh, may you and I be willing to fill that need today!

Heavenly Father, we thank you for sending your son Jesus to forgive us of our sins and give us a purposeful life. I pray that you would start a fire in each of us to go out into the fields, wherever you are calling us to, to preach the Gospel and be the light in a dark world. May our prayer be, send me I'll go, I'll do it!  It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Send me I'll go - Lecrae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv6sQKHdgOA

Number 18 is Mikey (next to my son in the hat) after the race surrounded by his friends. 

Running his heart out at the home stretch. This guy came in under 7 minutes!!!

Tell the truth

"Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed." Proverbs 12:19

Days after crossing the finish line of a 2014 marathon, an unnamed fireman posted this on Facebook, "I just qualified for the Boston Marathon two days ago! So will be doing that in 2015!” And the problem with that post was...? He cheated-he cut the course by more than two miles to qualify. And nearly two and a half years later, long after completing the 2015 iconic race he had been allowed to participate in, his deception was finally discovered by Derek Murphy, a 45 year old business-analyst from Cincinnati. Derek and his crew have made a hobby of investigating race results and found 46 other runners that cheated to get into the coveted 118th Boston Marathon. Of his choice to cheat, the fireman said, "If I could take this back I would. My teeth are grinding, I am so sick to my stomach."

Whether he was sick about the deception or sick about getting caught, one thing is certain, the truth came out-the truth always comes out. Proverbs 12:19 reaffirms that when it tells us, "Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed." You see, even if we think we have gotten away with telling a lie or acting dishonestly, our duplicity will one day be uncovered. As Abraham Lincoln said it, "There is another old poet whose name I do not now remember who said, 'Truth is the daughter of Time.'

Being deceitful not only hurts our character, it ruins our witness and holds us in slavery. How can we tell others to believe in Christ if they can't even believe in us? So today and every day, whether on the race course, at home, at our jobs or at our church, may we say and do only those things that will stand the test of time.

 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that our lies will always catch up to us whether here or on judgement day. When we are tempted to take shortcuts or deceive others to get ahead, help us to have the insight to know it's just not worth it and the willpower to resist. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Toby Mac - Truth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE7tRCY3g_E

http://www.runnersworld.com/boston-marathon/dozens-suspected-of-cheating-to-enter-boston-marathon

Don't settle

"If we have found favor with you, please let us have this land as our property instead of giving us land across the Jordan River." Numbers 32:5

Mervyn (Merv) George Lincoln, deemed the "miler who was always second best", died at the age of 82 on April 30th. Records show that he ran a 3:55.9 mile on August 6, 1958 in Dublin. The time was 1.3 seconds faster than the world record, yet he finished second to Herb Elliott. He then again placed second to Elliott to take the silver medal in the Commonwealth Games later that same year. As the story illustrates, despite our best efforts, being second best is sometimes out of our control. But other times it's a choice we make.

Consider this, the tribes of Reuben and Gad had very large herds and flocks. On their way to the promised land, they traveled through the land of Gilead and Jazer and saw the lush pastures there. Upon that discovery, they said to Moses, "If we have found favor with you, please let us have this land as our property instead of giving us land across the Jordan River." They chose second best. They settled for what they saw in front of them rather than wait for the best that God had planned for them on the other side... the promised land. Sadly, you and I are no different though. How many times do we choose to settle for second best? Rather than wait for God to provide what we need, we go out and buy it on credit. Rather than wait for God to provide the perfect job, we take the first one we can find. Unfortunately that list could go on for eternity.

Do you see a pattern though? Throughout history man has been settling for less than what God wants to give. Wayne Stiles wrote, "God’s best for us seldom comes immediately. But it’s always worth the wait." The two tribes could have seen the promised land but they didn't 'want to wait' so they settled for second best. Today, may you and I make a choice to settle for nothing less than the best. 

Heavenly Father, we thank you for not only knowing what is best for us but for wanting to give us what is best. Help us to look beyond what's in front of us as we trust your plan for our lives. And please help us to sit and wait until you tell us to move. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen, 

Happy Running!!! 

www.team413.org

Chris Tomlin - I will follow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ohvhmGSfxI

We get to!

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world," Philippians 2:14,15

After taking several weeks off to heal from tendonitis, I got to run yesterday. Did you hear that? I didn't have to run. I got to run. How many times, I thought, had I complained about having to get in a run or workout when I should have been celebrating the fact that I was healthy enough to do so? For that matter, how many times had I grumbled about doing things I felt I had to do instead of counting them as blessings? Hallelujah! This time off gave me a new perspective on things. As I was later doing the laundry, I praised God that I got to do it-it meant I had a family who needs me. I praised him that I got to make dinner-it meant I had the money to buy food and a family to share it with. And I praised him that I got to clean the house that night-it meant I had a roof over my head and rambunctious kids to mess it up.

You know, when it comes to complaining, the bible instructs you and me to "Do all things without grumbling or disputing," All things means everything we do, whether at home, work, church or anywhere else. That way no one can find fault with us and we can live pure lives, lives shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and immoral people. And that type of life, a life transformed and set apart, can be the most effective witness to the power of Christ. So while the world is complaining about the things that need to be done, let us rejoice that we get to do those things!!

For, as Christians, we know that God has given us a purpose and an opportunity to let the world see Him through us as we do. Isn't it wonderful that you and I get to do this?

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us a purpose and surrounding us with the many blessings we do not deserve. Help us to look at every day tasks as ways to be grateful and thank you for what you have given us. Give us a renewed heart and fresh perspective today that we might find nothing to grumble or complain about. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Shine - Matt Redman

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

Keep growing

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9,10

Ed Whitlock of Canada set a world record for 85-year-olds when he ran a 1:50:47 half marathon April 24th in Waterloo, Ontario. Although he surpassed the previous record by more than nine minutes and had an impressive time for someone of any age, Whitlock said that he was not satisfied with his performance and wanted to be faster. With that goal in mind, he stated that he would go after more records this summer. Ed ended by saying, "Even though I set the world record last weekend, I was not that happy about it, because I didn’t run as well as I thought I ought to. I only get antsy about getting slower when I’m getting slower faster than I ought to."

Unfortunately, all of us will slow down with time (some less than others as this story illustrates). And while growing older is inevitable, we should never allow aging to decrease or diminish our spiritual growth. In fact, as we mature, we should be growing more! In his letter to the church in Philipi, Paul said, "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.." He was praying that their understanding of Christ would continue to multiply and increase so that they would be "pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness.." Paul knew that Christ's return could happen at any time and the church needed to be ready. Not just ready though, he wanted them to be more than ready-flourishing and ever growing that they would be found steeped in and full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

May you and I never come to a point where we are satisfied with our spiritual performance or growth either. Instead may we continue 'training' in the Word each and every day because, as Loretta Lynn once said, "You've got to continue to grow or you are just like last night's cornbread-stale and dry." 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that getting older does not mean that we are to rest on what we already know. May we continue to set goals of increasing our knowledge of you as we 'train' in the Word daily. And may we never be satisfied with our accomplishments as we continually pursue greater goals. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Running - Hillsong live

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrSwSG65ggY

http://www.runnersworld.com/masters/ed-whitlock-85-is-not-satisfied-with-his-latest-world-record

The back up plan

"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him." 1 John 5:14,15

While walking with a dear friend Saturday, we discussed an important and stressful situation that she had been praying about. While she happily testified that God had answered her prayer, she went on to admit that, although she had been 'trusting' his plan, she had prepared a back up one 'just in case'. We've probably all had that plan B right? I know I have. It's that scheme we plan in our own mind to get what we want just in case God doesn't give it to us? The plan that usually starts with the words, "God, I trust you to answer my prayer but..." But what? We either trust him or we don't right?

When it comes to trusting, the bible tells us that, "this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us." The emphasis here is on His will, not ours. When we ask for things that we want instead of what He wants for us, uncertainty and doubt will most certainly overwhelm us (prompting us to create an alternative strategy). But we can have that confidence or firm trust to say "if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him." You see, prayer is our direct line to God and the way we ask. And it's only through that intercession that we can learn his will for our lives, base our requests upon that knowledge and then trust in that plan. And you can bet that God will reveal it if we seek and ask!

In the words of Billy Graham, "God wants us to know His will and He reveals it to us both through the Bible and through the guidance of His Holy Spirit. Seek God’s will when you pray, and He will help you know it.” And knowing that, my friend, will eliminate any need you and I will have for that back up plan. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for being a God who loves us so much that you would allow us direct access to you anytime and anywhere. Knowing that, may we daily speak to you asking and allowing you to reveal your will for our lives. May we then embrace your answer and align our wants to your desires. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

More and more - Selah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bpQqkCF__I

Honor them

"Welcome him with Christian love and with great joy, and give him the honor that people like him deserve. For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn’t do from far away." Philippians 2:29,30

Every day runners and athletes are honored for their contribution to their sport. Crista Earl, a visually impaired runner was honored by the New York Road Runners Club in February, the Kenyan Boston Marathoners were honored on April 17th and Kobe Bryant was recently honored by ESPN. With so many people being honored, what does it mean to really honor someone? Dictionary.com defines it as to hold a person in honor or high respect, to revere or to confer honor or distinction upon.

Paul the apostle talks about giving honor in his letter to the church in Philippi when he informed them that Epaphroditus, his helper, would be coming to visit them soon. He asked that they, "welcome him with Christian love and with great joy, and give him the honor that people like him deserve. For he risked his life for the work of Christ.." So, while the world gives it's highest respect to people who are rich, beautiful, powerful or have special talents, we, the church, should be honoring those like Paul and his helper who do the work of Christ.. those whose lives are devoted to God's calling, here and overseas, who are living a "life for the work of Christ" every day. 

And what greater way would there be to honor them than to pray for them? Each and every day, may we lift up our pastors, missionaries and the Christ followers that provide ministry at home, across the country and across the world. But most of all, let us honor the King of Kings, the One who is truly deserving of all of our honor, praise and worship! 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the Christians around the world that are willing to work tirelessly for the Kingdom. Help us to hold in high respect all those who serve, from our youth group leaders to the missionaries deep in the heart of Africa. May we make it our daily habit to pray for them as they live to do the work of Christ. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

We go - Matthew Parker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17S3-HJwhI8