The Covenant

I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life." Genesis 9:13-15

The disappointment felt by hundreds of runners because of canceled races over the weekend paled greatly in comparison to the sorrow thousands of people felt across the Midwest-all because of the weather. You see the record breaking rainfalls this area experienced not only hindered outdoor activity of any kind but also brought spurts of lightning, flooded homes and whole towns, washed out roads and bridges and caused many traffic accidents-and sadly, even a few deaths. And while the Missouri governor has declared the region a "State of Emergency", I know everything will be okay. I have complete confidence that the sun will soon shine again because the same oath that God pledged to Noah is the same one he has pledged to you and me. 

In fact, Genesis 9:8-17 records the promise God made to Noah and his descendants (that's us) after the flood which destroyed the whole world. And to show just how serious God was in keeping this pledge, the Noahic Covenant was not just spoken but sealed with a sign, "When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life." Thankfully then, since we can trust that God's promises are true, we can have complete peace in the midst of any storm.

So when you see a rainbow, smile as you remember that God is forever faithful, that his grace is new each and every morning and that the "sign" is a personal reminder from the Father himself that storms and trying times won't last forever. There is hope because he truly loves us.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the promise that you would never flood the earth again. When we are anxious about the storms surrounding us or within us, help us to remember that you have promised to weather them with us, that we are never alone and there is always hope. Thank you Father for the rainbow that serves as an eternal reminder of that. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Tenth Avenue North - I have this hope

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBg9jHQtE44

Equally important

"Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!" Romans 12:16 NLT

On the course of the London Marathon last weekend, 39,000 lucky runners got the royal treatment as they were cheered on by Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge-William and Kate Middleton. And not only did they encourage the runners during the race, the royal family kept busy by posing for selfies with them, handing out water bottles, presenting awards and even passing out some finishers medals, all the while laughing and having a good time. Talk about enjoying the "company of ordinary people". And despite their bloodline, these royals demonstrated humility by their behavior endearing themselves to the people around them.

And this same meekness, or modest or low view of one's own importance, is the same attitude that you and I as Christians are called to display to one another. You see many people will only associate with those they consider to be like themselves or able to help them climb up the social ladder or get ahead. But Christ taught that all people should be treated with respect-the poor, the rich, the handicapped, those of a different race, young and old, male and female. And that to live in peace with each other as we are commanded requires the humility to see ourselves and others as God sees us and them... equally important. 

So let us strive to live humbly and in harmony with one another knowing that the process starts with our own attitudes. Because as Gordon B. Hinckley writes, "Being humble means recognizing that we are not on earth to see how important we can become, but to see how much difference we can make in the lives of others." 

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the greatest example of being humble and loving others there ever was to follow. Help us to strive to be like Jesus that we might consider others more important than ourselves and so thoroughly enjoy the company of "ordinary people" such as ourselves. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Be the change - Britt Nicole

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

Consider the consequences

"Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me? But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew..." Genesis 25:32-34

Running in the cold rain yesterday morning evoked a memory that brought a huge smile to my face despite the gloomy weather. Thinking back, I recalled how similiar the conditions had been on that morning last month when I was blessed to cross the finish line of my first 100 mile race. But this recollection that brings such happiness now could easily have been a sorrowful one and the biggest regret of my life. You see somewhere around mile 70 when things got really tough, I debated quitting even though I knew it was not what God had planned for me. I was cold, wet, tired, lonely, in a lot of pain and spiritually run down. So when I stopped to rest and eat at the only aid station on the course with heat, I found myself tempted to stay and nearly traded what awaited me at the finish line for the temporary pleasure of being comfortable. And praise God I pressed on because quitting the race would have been something I would have regretted for the rest of my life. 

You know when it comes to comfort, the Bible tells the story of Esau who traded the lasting benefits of his birthright (or inheritance) to his brother, Jacob, for the temporary pleasure of having a full stomach. For "some bread and some lentil stew", Esau forfeited the better things that awaited him. Had he carefully considered the long-term consequences of his actions, perhaps he wouldn't have been so quick to just give up and give in to the temptation? Maybe he would have pressed on? One thing is certain though, that decision was something he most likely regretted the rest of his life. 

So as you see, if we aren't careful, you and I can easily fall into the same trap of making hasty decisions based on how we are feeling. And it's when we are tempted to give up or give in that we need to prayerfully consider what God would have us do and then ask for the strength to do it. Overcoming the desire to be comfortable won't always be easy but in the long run will most certainly be worth it.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you have given us. Thank you also for the promise that better things are waiting for those that choose to follow you over choosing the comforts of the world. Help us to remember that being obedient will sometimes mean being uncomfortable but that it will be worth it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Kari Jobe - Steady my heart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0ip40j82ws

Maximize your talent

"To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away." Matthew 15:25

When relaying the events of his recent IRONMAN competition, my dear friend, Jim, remarked that while he managed to take almost two hours off his previous time and placed very well in his age group, he was still nowhere near as fast as the elite athletes that had crossed the finish line nearly six hours before him. That's pretty amazing when you think about it, isn't it? That some people are blessed with that much speed and endurance? But God most certainly made us all different didn't He? Yet no matter how fast or slow we are, true success doesn't come from winning the race but by doing the best with the talents we have been given.

Eric Liddell, a devout Scottish Christian and missionary, knew that. In fact, in the movie "Chariots of Fire," Eric said he was compelled to run in the 1924 Olympics because he believed that God made him for a purpose but that God also made him fast, "To give that up would be to hold Him in contempt. To win is to honor Him." You see just as, "To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability", Liddell knew success was measured by how well he used the skills he had been given, big or small, "according to his ability". This knowledge then allowed Eric to use his gift of running fast to bring God glory-giving Him a great return on his investment. 

And like Liddell, you and I should also maximize the use of our talents, not for our own selfish purposes but to honor Him. In all we do, whether slow, speedy or somewhere in-between, let us give our absolute best "each according to his ability" to expand the Kingdom and bring glory to our Creator. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your many blessings and for the individual talents you have given each of us. Help us to recognize just what that talent is and then to use it to do your will. May we always work to the best of our ability knowing that is where true success lies. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Hillsong - to You alone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj9H31DTX8w

In need

"Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins." Ephesians 2:1

One of the headlines from yesterday's London Marathon read, "A London Marathon runner who helped a competitor finish said he was just lending a hand to a "guy in need". It seems Swansea Harriers runner Matthew Rees came around the final corner of the 26.2 mile race just in time to see David Wyeth, from Chorlton Runners, struggling to stay upright. With 300 metres left to go, Rees immediately came to David's rescue stopping to help the fellow runner to his feet and then walk with him to the finish line. Thanks to Matthew, who was unwilling to let a fellow runner fail, they both finished in under three hours.

You know the Bible also makes it clear that, because of our disobedience and sin, every one of us was a girl or "guy in need" too. You see not only were we born into sin but each of us personally chooses to sin every day. And it's this very disobedience against God's commands that causes us to fall down and fail and the very same sin that sentences us to eternal death and separation from God. But thankfully there was one (and only one) person who could and would "lend a hand"-only One who was so unwilling to let us fail that he left his throne in Heaven to come to save us from all that.... his name is Jesus Christ.

And you know what's great? This blessed Savior of ours wants to save everyone who is in need-all those who are weary, worn-out and struggling to stand. And if that's you today, I invite you to confess your need, reach out and take his hand and allow him to lead you. It's just that simple to change how you will finish the race.

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to save us from our sins. I pray that if there's anyone reading this that has not made the decision to follow you that they would choose to do so today praying, " Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and I need a Savior. I believe that you are God's son and I ask that you come into my heart and then take my hand and lead me on the right path all the rest of my days." It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.  

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

I need a Savior - Among the thirsty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnhicEmLWH8

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-39686765

Think first

"Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them." Proverbs 29:20

Adidas, one of the premier sponsors of the Boston Marathon, sent out an email after this year's race congratulating all of the finishers and extending an invitation to shop at their online store. Sounds like a smart move by the company right? Well it would have been had they considered their words more carefully rather than hastily writing this in the subject line, "Congrats, you survived the Boston Marathon!" In light of the 2013 bombings, many runners were offended and voiced their disapproval prompting Adidas to say, "We are incredibly sorry. Clearly, there was no thought given to the insensitive email subject line we sent Tuesday. We deeply apologize for our mistake. The Boston Marathon is one of the most inspirational sporting events in the world. Every year we’re reminded of the hope and resiliency of the running community at this event."

By their quick apology, the company minimized the damage and learned something in the process. Think carefully about what you say before you say it. And you know the Bible also has something to say about "someone who speaks in haste" or before sufficiently considering their words too. That person is called a fool. And while the world would define a fool as a person who acts unwisely, the biblical definition has the added dimension of someone who disregards God’s Word. And if there is more hope for a fool than someone who speaks rashly, we would be extremely wise to thoroughly weigh our words and their consequences before we use them, don't you think? 

So before speaking, writing, texting, posting or tweeting anything may we remember to THINK first. Is what I'm about to say True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary and Kind? And most of all, is it in line with God's word? Doing this my friend will ensure that you and I never have to apologize for things we've said that were better left unsaid. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that our words have the power to either hurt or heal. Help us to consider them carefully then that you might be glorified in the way we treat and speak to others. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

May the words - Ellie Holcomb

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cl1HF5NchLg

Contagious

"Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people." Philemon 1:7

In a new study in Nature Communications, it was suggested that running might just be contagious. In fact, if you were to think back on why you began yourself, you would probably say it was because your friends were doing it right? And while the study said that the sets of runners examined might not be representative of every jogger on the globe, the idea behind the research might help psychologists and athletes understand what motivates us to do certain activities. But for now, they said, it's safe to say that if you are trying to get back into your running game-or trying to initiate one-getting a workout buddy might not be a bad idea.

And you know the same can be said of joy. Paul knew that when he wrote to Philemon saying, "Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the heart's of the Lord's people." You see, Philemon's cheerful and uplifting attitude was so evident and abundant that it affected all those around him causing them to want the same happiness for themselves-proving joy is most certainly contagious too. And it's no wonder that it had that effect because, like water in the desert, a jubilant and motivating person has the power to refresh even the driest soul. 

I wonder then, if a person's attitude and actions are contagious, are you and I draining other's energy by our negativity? Or are we helping to replenish their spirits by our overwhelming joy and encouragement? Knowing our outlook will affect those around us, let us choose to be joyful then and let the feeling spread. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that our attitudes have the power to either lift up or bring down those around us. Help us to be filled daily with your Spirit that it might be reflected in all we say and do. May others so clearly see you in us that they walk away with a smile and a refreshed spirit. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Mercy Me- Shake

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8k40xj5Exk

http://www.popsci.com/running-contagious

Choose wisely

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

Jose Luis Sanchez, a longtime Marine, stepped on an IED in 2011 just two weeks before he was supposed to finish his tour in Afghanistan. And although the explosion took his left leg, it didn't take his determination to help others. You see even though he admitted he doesn't like running, he pressed on anyway to cross the finish line of the Boston Marathon Monday with a time of 5:46:13. And when asked why, he said because he is thankful that he can, "I do this to inspire people; it’s to inspire people to say yes to something they are afraid of." And you can bet that Luis is not done running marathons yet and carrying the flag that motivated him to start in the first place.

You know Sanchez could just as easily have chosen to dwell on the things that he lost rather than be thankful for the things he didn't. But his choice to be "thankful in all circumstances" is the very thing that now gives him the opportunity to use his pain to help others. You see Paul wasn't telling us to be thankful for everything that happens to us either, but in everything that happens to us. Paul knew that evil doesn't come from God and so we shouldn't thank him for it. But he also knew that when evil strikes (and it will all of us), we can still be grateful that he is with us through it and thank him for the good that will come out of it. 

But that 'good' my friend can only come if we choose to let it. Because ultimately the choice is ours. We can choose to be sorrowful over the things we don't have or thankful for the things we do. I urge you to choose wisely. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your faithfulness to us and your promise to be with us always. While we know life won't spare us pain and suffering, help us to not get overwhelmed and discouraged by it but to instead be thankful in all circumstances that good might always come out of our distress. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Thank you - 33 Miles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD1H29Ps8l8

http://www.runnersworld.com/boston-marathon/marine-and-amputee-carries-flag-during-boston-marathon

Set your goals

"So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it." 2 Corinthians 5:9

Thousands of runners from around the world experienced the fulfillment of a momentous goal when they crossed the finish line of the 121st Boston Marathon yesterday. From the first finishers to the last, this dream come true of completing the 26.2 miles from Main Street in Hopkinton to Boylston Street in Boston, came only after months and sometimes years of preparation and training. But as I know from experience, sometimes the goal of crossing that coveted finish line (or any other for that matter) to earn the right to be called a Boston Marathoner can easily take precedence over what the Bible tells us should be our first and main goal... to please Him and bring him glory. 

Just what does it mean to please him you might wonder? What goals bring him glory? In the words of Pastor Rick Warren, "Any goal that causes you to love God more brings glory to God. Any goal you set that causes you to trust God more, brings glory to God. Any goal you set that causes to you obey God, to love God, to serve God, any goal that causes you to want to brag on God and tell unbelievers, ‘Look what he did for me’ -- that's the goal that brings glory to God." And that's what pleases him. 

So yes, let us "make it our goal to please him" today in all we say and do. Let us make our biggest ambition to bring glory to his Name that others might come to know him because of and through our pursuits. After all, there is no real victory apart from Christ anyway. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many things you have allowed us each to achieve. May we give you the glory for each and every one of them as we lay ourselves at your feet in worship. In every victory, let it be said that we ascribed all glory, strength and honor to you. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

In Christ alone - Brian Littrell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOHtHQ6aNpE

The Easter comeback

"There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." Matthew 28:2-6

On April 16, 2016, Phil Healy, an Irish Collegiate runner made one of the most stunning comebacks in racing history. As Healy grabbed the baton to run the last leg of the women's 4x400 relay, her University of College Cork team was in fifth place and almost a quarter of a lap behind the leader. And when she started off at a modest jog, the team looked destined to lose. But the announcers suddenly noticed Healy picking up the pace and speeding by her competitors compelling them to report, "UCC from the depths of hell are powering through." To the amazement of the crowd Healy zoomed past the other runners in the final straightaway crossing barely a second ahead of the closest runner to claim victory. One of the announcers couldn't help but shout, "Ahhhhh! It's unbelievable. That is unbelievable!"

And while that was quite a comeback for sure, the Bible tells us of an even greater one, the most unbelievable comeback in all history. You see all hope had been lost that "Good Friday" when Jesus seemingly surrendered to death. And when his body was placed in the tomb and sealed by a big stone, his fate and that of the world seemed certain... death had won. But then it happened! "There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it...and the angel said to the women, "He is not here; he has risen just as he said." He has risen!!! Now how is that for a comeback?

So today as we celebrate the Easter Holiday, may we remember the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus paid on the cross and rejoice in the victory over death that it brought. Oh hallelujah, He is risen indeed!!

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to die for our sins that there might be victory over death once and for all. May we never forget what this cost and the pain He endured. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Death was arrested-North Point InsideOut

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

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2016/04/19/unbelievable-watch-this-irish-runners-stunning-comeback-victory/?utm_term=.729da40045ec

Finding joy

"So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold..." 1 Peter 1:6,7

On April 3, Kate Fletcher, an 11th grade English teacher in Louisa, Virginia set out to teach her students a lesson about overcoming that they will never forget. You see, rather than telling her students about the benefits of persevering and pressing on through hardships, she showed them. Shortly after 6 a.m., Kate began a 50 mile race deemed the Lion Pride Run and was joined by teachers, students and other community members who took turns accompanying her around the school's track. Completing the race in nine hours and 12 minutes, Fletcher said she did it to teach the most important lesson any of her students could ever learn, "You can find strength—and even joy—in tackling adversity."

And you know, Fletcher is right. You can find strength, and even joy, when dealing with pain and hardship when you realize the benefits of it. Peter knew it when he wrote, "There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials". You see he realized that for faith to be tested, a person would have to test it. And just as an athlete's training can only be tested on the race course and shown by the results, these times when we either give up in the midst of trouble or trust God and press on, are the only tests that can prove whether our "faith is genuine." You see it's only by putting someone under strain that strengths and weaknesses are revealed. 

So today, if you're facing adversity, sorrow, suffering or troubles of any kind, "be truly glad". In fact be overjoyed knowing that these trials won't last forever and that your faith will be even stronger as a result of it. And the best part is, you just might teach others something in the process that would lead them to Christ. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for promising to always be with us. Although we may not understand why we suffer sometimes, help us to understand that we will always be stronger because of it if we stay faithful and keep trusting in you. Knowing that, help us to choose joy no matter what's happening in our lives. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Joy - Rend Collective

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

http://www.runnersworld.com/newswire/teacher-runs-50-miles-around-track-to-raise-money-for-her-students

Be present

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

In preparing for his seventh 26.2 mile race, the Big Sur International Marathon in California, runner Kit Fox decided to take a different approach than in the past. This time he absolutely will not PR or even try and for that he is excited. You see, although he has managed to run a faster time at each race, he has realized that it comes at the expense of enjoying the run saying, "I want to have fun. I want to be present. I want to take in the scenery and the sounds of the Pacific Ocean. I don't want the worries of a time and pace on my watch display to ruin it."

You know, how many times have we, in the pursuit of getting ahead or gaining more, also failed to be present in the moment? Probably more often than we would like to admit right? Which is exactly why the Bible advises us to keep, "free from the love of money and be content with what we have." You see, true contentment or happiness with one's situation in life, will never come from a PR or anything money can buy but from the knowledge that God is all we need. Knowing that and trusting God to fulfill that promise then allows us to be free from the worries of the world and enjoy the exact point in time we are in.

So today, if your worry or anxiety is keeping you from taking in and enjoying the scenery and sounds around you, of relishing in the present moment, remember God's promise, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you," and then go have some fun.   

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder of just how amazing and beautiful the world around us is and how easily we can miss it by pursuing things you have already promised to provide. Help us to work as you have called us but to be content with what we have that we might be present in the here and now. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Today is the day - Lincoln Brewster

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

http://www.runnersworld.com/rw-vip-editor-blogs/heres-why-i-dont-want-to-pr-at-my-next-marathon

fire insurance

"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." Romans 10:9

This weekend's news sadly carried a report of another person dying while participating in a race. It seems 34-year-old Brandon Russell, an avid and seemingly healthy runner, collapsed on the course at the Rock the Parkway half marathon in Kansas City Saturday and later passed away. While there's no cause of death yet, the rise in fatalities at these events inspired to get us healthy are proof that being fit or even young is no insurance against death. In fact, eating right and exercising gives us no real assurance that you and I will live to be old or even middle aged. 

And when it comes to insuring we go straight to heaven no matter when we die, have you ever heard a person casually say that they know where they're going because they have "fire insurance"? You know the belief that since they have been baptized, brought up in the church or had Christian parents that their ticket into Heaven was assured? Sadly, that belief couldn't be further from the truth though. The Bible tells us that there is only way way to be insured entry into Heaven and that is to confess that Jesus is Lord and believe it in our hearts. And this word 'believe' means more than simply agreeing in our minds that this might be true. It means believing so strongly in God that we are willing to commit our lives to Him and live the way he has commanded us to.

So I wonder today, do you have truly have "fire insurance"? Do you have 100 percent assurance that if you were to die today that you would be in Heaven tomorrow? If not, maybe it's time to reconsider what you truly believe and why?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that clearly and without a doubt tells us what it takes to have eternal life. And if there's anyone here who is unsure whether they are "saved", I pray that they would turn to you in prayer for the answers. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

We believe - Newsboys

https://youtu.be/WjZ01FcK0yk

http://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/runner-dies-after-rock-the-parkway-half-marathon

Teamwork

"So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work." Nehemiah 4:6

While I was certainly blessed to be able to run the St. Louis Go! Marathon Sunday, I was soon feeling the effects of very little sleep combined with the hills and heat of the day and secretly wished that someone could step in and run a few of the last miles for me. And as relay runner after relay runner passed by, refreshed and quick on their feet, I was reminded how much easier a daunting or difficult task, like a marathon, could be when the burden is shared. You see, I was running this 26.2 miles completely on my own while these "teams" shared the load, each member running only a portion and then passing his/her bib to the next person until the race was finished. You could say then that they all had a "mind to work" towards a common goal. 

And you know that same concept of teamwork, or "a mind to work" shared is the exact same thing that, as a body of believers, will make the tasks God has called us to (even seemingly impossible ones) easier. Nehemiah knew this when he urged the people to work together to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. And the work progressed well because the people had their hearts and minds set on accomplishing this common goal. As a team they worked together to do what would have been impossible for one person-not only completing the wall but doing it in only 52 days!

So today, if God has called you to a task that you can't complete on your own, why not organize a team or group of fellow believers to help? Because remember... when people have a "mind to work" together to serve God, nothing is impossible. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the example that you have given us to show the things we can accomplish when we work together as a team. Help us to be wise leaders if we are leading a team or obedient helpers if we are serving on one. Either way, may our goal be to always work to do your will. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

No such thing - Building 429

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zegqjuz4Cro

Cause no one to stumble

"Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." Romans 14:13

On April 1, racers in the Stanford Invitational 1500 meters faced an unexpected obstacle when an inattentive race official walked onto the track in front of them. When the official noticed he was in the way, he tried moving to the inside but wasn't quick enough and was trampled by a pack of runners including Michael Rimmer, a three-time British Olympian, who was in second place but failed to even finish because of the fiasco. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured though and the race resumed after the 10-minute delay. 

As the story illustrates, obstacles can come out of nowhere and cause us to stumble and fall. And while most times we have no control over them, we can control being that hurdle or stumbling block to someone else by doing as Paul instructs, "stop judging one another." You see, many mature Christians like Paul, felt free to eat any kind of food while others thought they should only eat vegetables. In situations like this and others, he urged neither of these groups to judge the other because what was right in one person's mind might not be right to another. And that the more mature Christian should be careful not to practice doing what they believed to be "okay" at the expense of causing the weaker Christian to disobey their conscience and do the same-thus stumbling or falling into sin. 

In other words, Paul was advising us to constantly monitor the effects our behavior has on others that you and I might be a stepping stone to others rather than a stumbling block. And that's great advice for avoiding any conflicts or collisions isn't it? 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that reminds us the power our behavior has on others. Help us to be ever mindful of what we eat, drink and do that we might not be an obstacle in our brother's way. And help us to lift up and encourage others to follow you as their consciences call them to without passing judgement. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Need to breathe - Brother

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61Wm_qlVD4Q

http://www.runnersworld.com/newswire/watch-this-race-official-get-trampled-by-runners

No worries

"Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Matthew 6:27

Oh sure, we've all heard reports about how running can be bad for us-it hurts our knees, too much will damage the heart and so on. But, in a new review paper published last month in Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, it was determined that running is actually "a key lifestyle factor for longevity" and that each hour spent running adds seven hours of life. Over the course of a lifetime, they say, those who pound the pavement regularly could live three years longer than if they'd have stayed on the couch. Adding hours to our lives is a pretty good reason to lace up and get out the door then, isn't it? 

And while running can buy us some extra time, there's one thing many of us do daily that positively can't... worry. The Bible even tells us that all the worrying in the world won't "add a single hour to your life." And researchers from the Harvard Medical School in Boston concluded that high levels of anxiety and stress can actually shorten a lifespan by up to six years. So how do we stop worrying then? By remembering what God has promised-namely that he will supply all those things we need (not want), that he will always be with us through the good times and the bad and that we have eternal life awaiting us. 

Need some more good news? Unlike studies whose findings can change, God's promises never change and they have never failed. Never! So what's the use in worrying? Why not give it to God and go for a run instead?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your promises that never change, fail or falter. Your Word is true and you are faithful. Help us to remember that anytime we are tempted to worry about the troubles of this world and to remember that we can't add even one minute to our lives by doing so. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Jason Gray - Sparrows

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRJZQFRyZ6s

http://www.runnersworld.com/health-injuries/1-hour-of-running-adds-7-hours-of-life

http://www.naturalnews.com/036579_anxiety_lifespan_longevity.html

Disqualified

"No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:27

After months of training, Gary Robbins set out last weekend to become the first Canadian to ever complete the notorious Barkley Marathons, a 100-mile race so grueling that only 15 people in 30 years have ever finished it. But can you imagine running two-and-a-half days with no sleep through the steep, cold and muddy hills of Tennessee, and being inches from the finish line only to be disqualified? To see all that extreme effort be for naught? You see, even if Robbins hadn't missed the 60-hour deadline by a mere six seconds, "at some point on the fifth and final loop, he got confused in fog on the unmarked course and arrived at the finish line from the wrong direction", he would have still been disqualified. Wow, can you imagine the disappointment?

You know, being disqualified was something the apostle Paul was concerned with as well. But he wasn't afraid of losing his salvation, he was fearful of losing the privilege of telling others about Christ. You see, Paul knew how important it was to stay focused throughout the entire race, especially as he neared the end, to avoid going in the wrong direction or not practicing what he was preaching. And he knew his biggest obstacle in doing this was himself and his fleshly desires-that, to win others to Christ, he would have to bring his whole body into submission. 

So may we, like Paul, recognize how easy it would be to be to go off-course and so work diligently to discipline our minds, bodies and spirits daily (through prayer, bible study and worship) to avoid it. Because being disqualified before God would most certainly be the greatest disappointment of our lives. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you have given us. Thank you especially for your Word that gives us everything we need to train for the battle that we are in to bring people to the foot of the Cross. Help us to be bold in our preaching and incorruptible in our lifestyles that we might not be disqualified at the end. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Incorruptible - Becka Shae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG2jpU6xOqs

http://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/heartbreak-for-b-c-runner-at-gruelling-60-hour-marathon-1.3353700

Live for today

"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James 4:14

It was reported that more than 2,000 runners participated in the Scranton Half Marathon on Sunday and crossed the finish line without incident. Unfortunately 36-year-old Lindsay Doherty was not one of them. You see, immediately after finishing the 13.1 mile race, she collapsed and died leaving many runners shocked and frightened that something like this could happen to them as well. Maryann Sheerer, a fellow runner, said she plans to keep on running though, "Only because it is a risk like anything else. You don’t know what is going to happen."

And you know what? Maryann is certainly right, not one of us knows "what will happen tomorrow" or even in the next hour. In fact, James reminds us that we, "are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." With that knowledge then, shouldn't we be living our lives differently? As if they could end suddenly and without warning? Living with purpose? This type of purposeful living, committed, motivated and determined to loving others and doing those things Christ has called us to do would most certainly leave us confident that, no matter when our life ends, we will have mattered to someone else and made a difference. Don't you agree? And a life well lived could impact generations to come... long after we have died. 

So in the words of Harry Morant, "Live every day as if it were going to be your last; for one day you’re sure to be right."

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that life can be cut short in an instant. Please provide comfort and peace to Lindsay's family as they move forward without her. Lord, please let no one who reads this go back to living as if tomorrow was guaranteed. Help us to be bold and purposeful each moment of every day so that, when our time is done, we will have lived for you. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Natalie Grant - Live for today

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuG0L37zulg

http://fox43.com/2017/04/02/runner-dies-after-finishing-scranton-half-marathon/

This is worship

"Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem." John 4:20,21

As is my Sunday custom, I woke early and slipped out the door before sunrise for a run to enjoy some time alone with the Lord before church. And while I have heard the words of Andy Chrisman many times before on the Christian radio station I love listening to during this time, yesterday I really heard what he said. "This is worship," implying that believers all around the world were worshiping right where they were through the melody and words of the praise music being played. And while, I thought, inspired melodies could certainly help bring us to a state of worship, music wasn't really necessary for it. In fact, worship should not be confined to a playlist, a building, a day or a time but something we, as believers, should be doing constantly no matter where we are or what's around us. 

And Jesus wanted to make that point so clear that when the Samaritan women he met at the well asked him where the proper place to worship was, whether on the mountain as their ancestors did or in Jerusalem as the Jews claimed, he gave her a startling answer, "a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem." You see, the location of where we go to worship is not near as important as our attitude in doing so. And that attitude, or way of thinking and feeling, is a heart, mind and soul completely surrendered to God-loving and praising him with our whole being whether we are at home, at work, running down the road or in a church building.

So yes, let us exalt and praise him where we are for who he is because worship, Jesus reminds us, isn't an event to attend but a lifestyle to be lived.

Heavenly Father, thank you for being worthy of all our worship. May we strive to grow so close to you that worship becomes such a natural part of our lives that it becomes like breathing... constant, steady and crucial to living. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

The heart of worship - Matt Redman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-Zp586pvZg