Ready for battle

"From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.'" Matthew 4:17 BSB

While walking with a friend over the weekend, my friend related the story of some recent mishaps and misfortunes that had occurred. Ironically, she said, the trouble started soon after she and her husband made the decision to increase their tithes and dive deeper into their newly planted church to help it grow. "I just know we're under some sort of spiritual attack," she said. "We should have expected it."

And you know, she's right. She should have expected it. We should all expect attacks when we decide to do greater things for the Kingdom. You see, while the devil is always on the prowl, he is even more so when believers are embarking on a new spiritual endeavor, especially one that will save souls. Consider Jesus. Knowing that Christ was about to begin His ministry and change the world, the devil attacked. But Jesus boldly pressed on through this spiritual onslaught and "began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.'" 

So if you are facing a spiritual battle today my friend, hold tight. Tighten up your armor and prepare for the fight. And then, in the example of Jesus, press on, never give up, and claim victory in the name of the Lord. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we will always face opposition when we are working to serve You. And especially when we decide to step it up a notch. Help us to be ready for these attacks that we might better battle them and be prepared to fight for victory. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

We won’t be shaken - Building 429

https://youtu.be/9BJhOgb-unI

Even in the darkest night

"Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me." Psalm 23:4 NLT

When I casually told a coworker how I was looking forward to Daylight Savings Time so my early morning runs wouldn't be in the dark anymore, she got a serious look on her face and said, "Aren't you afraid?" "No," I replied. "I use a headlamp, take extra precautions and trust Jesus to protect me in the dark as well as in the light." Being a Christian herself, she pondered the thought for a moment and responded, "You're right. That's a great point." 

And you know what? That's true for each and every believer. Whether we are going through, or running through, the darkest night or "the darkest valley," the hardest trial or the worst diagnosis, you and I have no reason to be afraid. We can trust Jesus to protect us in the dark as well as in the light, in the worst of times and in the best of times. Because as the psalmist knew, no matter where you and I may walk or what we might walk through, the Lord is always "close beside" protecting, guiding, and comforting us. 

So knowing that Jesus is walking with us, don't be afraid to live for Him my friend! Don't be afraid to go out and do the things God has called you to do or go to those places He has called you to go. Put your trust in Him and press on.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that You are our protector in this world and in the next. Help us to be so confident that you are close beside that we would be unafraid to live each day to the fullest serving You and attempting great things to bring You glory. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Even then - Micah Tyler
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PBysTjztCU

The special advocates

"He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing." Deuteronomy 10:18

If there's one thing I love more than participating in a race, it's helping to organize one. Especially one that is unique and for a good cause, which is exactly what Friday night's event was. The FroGlow 5k glow run was not only special because it was a night race with fun glow sticks but because of the special reason for which the event was created. CASA of South Central Missouri provides advocacy for abused and neglected children in the Court System through Court Appointed Special Advocates, aka volunteers whose mission it is to speak up for those children adjusting to new foster homes and transitioning to new schools. 

Did you know that there are nearly 700,000 children who experience abuse or neglect each year and are placed into the foster care system? And instead of playing with other children and making happy memories are attending court hearings? And that's where these volunteers come in. They step up to defend "the cause of the fatherless" by speaking up for these children and advocating for their well being. And truthfully, aren't we all called to do that? Aren't we all called to protect those who can't protect themselves? Of course we are. 

And while not everyone is able to volunteer, we can all do something - like giving to and supporting CASA and other organizations like it. Most importantly though, you and I can pray each and every day that the needs of these children will be met and that they will come to know Jesus because of the love they are shown through these very special advocates. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that there are so many children in need of caring volunteers who have their best interests in mind. Open up our eyes and ears for ways that each one of us can help do that, whether it's by volunteering our time or finding ways to fund this important mission. May we be those people who help defend the cause of the fatherless. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Orphans of God - Avalon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0ZzLeZMc0w

Want to know how you can help? Check out these links:

http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5301295/k.BE9A/Home.htm

https://www.casascmo.org/get-involved/

A few pictures from the night: 

True worship

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship." Romans 12:1 NIV

As the music played and I lifted my heart and hands up in adoration of the Father, my mind drifted forward a week. Here I was worshiping within four walls alongside my church family. But next week, at the very same time, I would be worshiping outside those four walls on the Bass Pro Marathon course surrounded by believers and non-believers alike. There would be no praise band, no lights, no offering plate, no sermon, and no pastor. But what there will be is one very grateful and joyful worshiper running with hands lifted high to pay honor to and exalt the Savior of her soul. 

And while there are numerous definitions of the word worship. One in particular expresses why, "in view of God's mercy," worship should be a lifestyle and not just a Sunday morning routine. Worship is to honor with extravagant love and extreme submission (Websters Dictionary, 1828). True worship then comes when God is first in our lives. It's an outpouring of the love in our heart for the Savior that cannot be stopped and is expressed by our passion to offer our "bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God."

So whether you're in your home, at work, on the missions field, or in a church on Sunday morning, make knowing and honoring God by the way you live your first priority. This is not only "pleasing to God" my friend, but has the power to lead others to the Cross. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being such a merciful and compassionate God. We are all sinners deserving of death and yet You continue to pour out Your blessings upon us. You are the Creator of all things and yet You love us intimately. In light of that, may we worship You for who You are and offer our lives up each and every day as a living sacrifice. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

You're worthy of my praise - Jeremy Camp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dz0AdcM5s4

Be listening

"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" Acts 13:2 NIV

Many months ago I wrote about how, by God's divine intervention, I met a young man while out on my morning run. After feeling led to slow down and make small talk, he opened up to me about some of his struggles. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, I was bold in the questions I then asked and gentle in telling him that Jesus was the answer. And having learned through our conversation that I knew his mother, I was prompted by the Spirit once again to make contact with her, vowing to join in praying for her son. And while Cody has been on my prayer list since that day, I was prompted yesterday to pray even harder and message his mother once again to check on him. Her immediate response? "You must have some extrasensory mechanism because he needs prayers." 

Oh how I love the way the Holy Spirit works! Just as He spoke to the worshipers at the church of Antioch all those years ago to instruct them to "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them," He speaks to us today in various ways to put us in the place to do the work He has called us to. And if a mechanism can be defined as the fundamental processes involved in or responsible for an action, reaction, or other natural phenomenon, everyone who has the Holy Spirit living inside of them and is listening is part of that mechanism and will hear instructions as well. 

So the question then is, when the Holy Spirit speaks will you be listening? And most importantly, will you obey? He can and will work through every one of us in amazing ways my friend if we simply say, "Yes Lord. Use me." Will you allow yourself to be used?

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit who prompts us to pray for others. And not only does the Spirit prompt us to pray for others, but instructs us when to move into action. Help us to spend time in the Word each and every day that we might know You so well that we recognize your voice when You speak. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

The one He speaks through - Mandisa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siBfrVa4ozY

Original blog

https://thejoyfilledrunner.blogspot.com/2018/04/i-am-not-ashamed.html

Get wisdom

"The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." Proverbs 4:7 NIV

It's common knowledge that smoking is bad for our health right? It causes cancer, heart disease, COPD and a host of other diseases. But in a new study published in the JAMA Network Open, a study that you and I would be wise to take note of, it was found that not exercising might be even worse on our health than smoking. Dr Wael Jaber, co-author of the study, said “Being unfit on a treadmill or in an exercise stress test has a worse prognosis, as far as death, than being hypertensive, being diabetic or being a current smoker. We’ve never seen something as pronounced as this and as objective as this.”

And you know, when it comes to making good decisions about our health, gaining wisdom or knowledge of the truth is the wisest thing you and I could ever do. And it's even more important to the health of our spiritual lives. Solomon completely understood this when he wrote "the beginning of wisdom", or the start of being intelligent or wise, was to "get wisdom" and then to "get understanding." And not to just pursue it leisurely, but to get it "though it cost all you have." You see, it's by wisdom we learn the Truth and by understanding that we apply it. 

So search the Scriptures daily and relentlessly my friend. Pray for wisdom and understanding so that, in a world full of conflicting information and messages, you will know the Truth and it will keep you on the right path. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that wisdom is to be sought after at all costs. Help us to see how important the gaining of knowledge and understanding of your Word is to our physical and spiritual health and then give us a passion to pursue it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Your Word - Third Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zaaiFp4RSM

The way out

"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." 1 Corinthians 10:13

Serdar Tuncali, 33, from Phoenix, Arizona, said he was a "skinny kid" until he got married and began packing on the pounds. "We started going out to restaurants and we stopped working out." Knowing that he had to make some changes, Tuncali said he fought the temptation to overeat by using distraction to manage his hunger. And he did this by identifying the thought patterns and habits that tempted him to slip and replacing them with new and healthy ones such as spending more time being active and less time watching TV. 

And while temptation, or the desire to do something wrong or unwise, can and will come in many forms, the Bible is clear that our temptations "are no different from what others experience." In other words, we will all experience common sinful urges. But, thankfully, you and I are assured that that "God is faithful" and "will not allow the temptation to be more than" we can stand or endure. That means God will always provide a distraction, or an escape, to turn our attention away from the pull of sin and back to Him.

So if you're having thoughts or inclinations of doing something that you clearly know is dishonorable, dishonest or immoral today, think twice my friend. While the devil will be looking for ways to entice you, you must be looking for the "way out" God has promised He will provide.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that every Christian will be tempted at one time or another and that we don't have to give in to that temptation. Help us to guard our hearts and minds that when temptation comes, we will immediately look to You for a way out. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Think twice - Petra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awTtiMINk28

A real life example

"And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1 NLT

While many children will be dressing up as their favorite fictional superheroes this Halloween, two little girls from Norman, Oklahoma, will be dressing up as their favorite real-life sports hero-Shalane Flanagan. One of the girls' mothers, Lisa Braden, says she remembers the special moment she and her daughter shared when they watched Flanagan on television. “When she crossed the finish line, we both jumped up and screamed and had a great time. It’s nice to give her a real-life example of somebody that embodies the characteristics that I would like to see in her as she gets older."

And when it comes to being a good role model, shouldn't every Christian be living a life worthy of following? A life that embodies the characteristics of honesty, integrity, steadfastness, faith and love? Of course. In fact, Paul knew it to be so true that he lived to obey Jesus in every area of his life so he could say, "And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ." You see, Paul was so confident that he was emulating Jesus in word and deed that he urged the church at Corinth to look to him as a real-life example of what a true follower of Jesus Christ should be and to follow it. 

So knowing that each one of us is called to be a real-life example to others of what it means to be a Christian as well, would you say you, like Paul, are living a life worthy of imitating today? I sure hope so my friend, because this world is in desperate need of good and godly role models.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that every Christian should be living an honest, faithful and upright life worthy for their children and others to follow. And if we're not Lord, please show us where we have strayed and lead us back to the right path that we might be the godly role model You have called us to be. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Live like that - Sidewalk Prophets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r1lLYKdML

Not so fast

"Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD." Psalm 27:14 NLT

While the majority of serious runners are disciplined about getting in their workouts every day, most aren’t disciplined about what they put into their body, opting for drive-thru over meal-prep most days of the week. But runners aren't the only ones looking for a fast and easy solution to satisfy their hunger. A new study released by the CDC reports that more than 37 percent of adults eat fast food every day. That's about 85 million Americans consuming what they say are often high-cal, high-fat, high-sugar meals daily. The consensus of the study was, "We really do live in a fast food nation." 

But you know, fast food isn't the only fast thing we have grown accustomed to. We want fast news, fast commutes to work, fast internet, fast lines at the grocery store, fast delivery times and fast conversations. We have become a nation that likes everything fast. Which is perhaps why so many of us have a hard time waiting for the Lord. We pray and want immediate results. And when those fast results don’t come, we get discouraged and give up. But as the psalmist clearly understood, God doesn't work on our timetable but His. Which is why the psalmist reminded us of our need to "Wait patiently for the Lord" and to "be brave and courageous" while doing so. 

And while being patient goes against our very nature, learning to wait on the Lord is necessary to help us grow closer to Him. You see, it's during these times of waiting that we learn to trust His plan and His timing. So if you feel the process isn't happening fast enough, be patient my friend. God knows what He is doing. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that Your timing is perfect and Your reasons for making us wait will only serve to draw us closer to You. Help us to be patient, brave and courageous while we are waiting to hear from You or waiting for You to act in our lives. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Waiting here for You

https://youtu.be/em8EAHrW9fY

Not guilty

"My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous." 1 John 2:1 NLT

Sarah Longwell, a marathon runner and former Marine, was in amazing shape and training for a half marathon when she experienced pain so intense she struggled to walk. After being diagnosed with Deep Vein Thrombosis, Sarah underwent three failed surgeries that only left her tired and searching for answers. Taking matters into her own hands, she did her own research and found a pioneer surgeon who performed two more surgeries that had her feeling like herself again. One of the biggest lessons she’s learned, Longwell said, is to advocate for yourself in the medical arena. Through doing her own research and refusing to accept a quality of life she was unhappy with, Longwell was able to triumph over her DVT and gain a new appreciation for her own capabilities.

And while being our own advocate, or person who pleads the cause of another or ourselves, can help us receive the proper care we need, we can’t plead our own case to receive forgiveness. Thankfully though, we don’t have to. You see, the Bible tells us that "we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father" for us. "He is Jesus Christ." That means when you and I stand before the Lord deserving of the death penalty because of our sin, Jesus, having already suffered the penalty for that sin, pleads our case and sets us free.

Isn't that a wonderful thought my friend? Because of the sacrifice of our defender Jesus Christ, you and I will not be condemned for our trespasses but will instead be declared "not guilty." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending your Son to pay the penalty that was rightfully ours to pay. Thank You for loving us so much that You would withhold the judgement that we deserve and instead give us eternal life. What a gracious and loving Father you are. Help us to never take that for granted and to share that Good News with everyone. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

My defender - Jeremy Camp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue_xEDOy7E4 

God surely hears

"But God has surely heard; He has attended to the sound of my prayer." Psalm 66:19 BSB

As I was finishing up my "run" in the pool early yesterday, my heart was anxious. I would be leaving in less than 24 hours for Oklahoma to see my son graduate from basic training and I had just recently read conflicting details on the times and procedures to enter the Army base. "Oh Lord," I prayed. "Please still this Momma's heart and let me know everything will be okay." And guess what? Not even five minutes later a woman walked into the room and, after making small talk with her, revealed that she had a son that was in the same platoon! She was on her way to see him the next day as well and confirmed the details with me. Now what are the chances of that? 

To anyone who doesn't know Christ, the chances of that happening would probably look as slim as finding a needle in a haystack. But if you know the Lord, you know that He hears our prayers and nothing is impossible for Him. In fact, the psalmist was not only confident that God heard his cries but wrote, "He has attended to the sound of my prayer." Do you get that? God heard his prayer and personally "attended to," or took care of, his needs.... just as He does for you and me.  

Is that an amazing thought or what? We have a God that truly loves us my friend! It's no wonder that the psalmist then declared, "Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!" Shouldn't that be our response when God hears and attends to the sound of our prayers as well? I sure think so. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me so much that You would personally work out the details to still my anxious heart. Lord, if there's anyone that doesn't know You and doesn't have this same peace in their lives, I pray today is the day they turn to You and accept You into their hearts. It will truly be the best decision they will ever make. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Just a prayer away - Jaci Velasquez

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCKf5UptyjU

Do everything

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23,24

When Eliud Kipchoge ran a 2:01:39 marathon on September 16, many runners wondered if they could keep up with the new world record holder. So when the "tumbleator", a special treadmill designed by Canning Conveyor, was unveiled at the 2018 Chicago Marathon Expo, many attendees jumped at the chance to see how long they could maintain Eliud's speed. And while a few runners were able to hold the speed for 200 meters, most wiped out and flew backwards onto cushioned mats. One of the runners, Nichol Randal, who was able to complete the 38-second time trial said she gained a whole new respect for Kipchoge, "That was a lot of hard work. I can’t imagine the type of practice he would put in to get that done."

And you know what? While Eliud was no doubt, by God's grace, born a fast and gifted runner, he still had to put in the hard work to refine his talent in the same way the Lord requires each one of us to work hard to improve our God-given talents. You see, God has blessed each and every one of us with gifts and abilities to do great things (that means small things in big ways too) that bring him glory. Your gift be could singing. It could be running. It could also be teaching, parenting, mentoring, motivating others or a thousand other things.  

Just find that "thing" you're good at my friend, and work hard "as for the Lord and not for men..." After all, you and I aren't really working for other people but "serving the Lord Christ," and doing everything we do to bring Him glory. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we should work as serving You and not men. May we then do everything we do to glorify You and work daily to improve those gifts You have given us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Do everything - Steven Curtis Chapman

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

Thankful for deliverance

"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:13,14 ESV

Through a series of events, the Lord arranged for me to speak to a group of young women recovering from drug and alcohol addiction about the proven benefits of adding running to their recovery program. And during the weeks that followed, while encouraging them to continue exercising, I grew to dearly love each one of these ladies. So when I was invited to their church, whose motto is "welcome felons, junkies and saints" and the majority of the worshipers are also recovering addicts, I didn't hesitate. And what a glorious service it was! As I joined them in singing the words, "I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away. Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah," it was clear, from the tears, shouts and hands lifted high, there were a lot of people overwhelmingly thankful for deliverance Sunday. 

But you know, each one of us should show this same uninhibited and overwhelmingly grateful attitude of worship for God's presence in our lives too - because we have all been delivered. We may not have been from delivered from addiction, prostitution, homelessness or prison, but we have all been "delivered" from "the domain of darkness" and the power of sin. And because of this, you and I aren't condemned to die but "have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." 

I don't know about you my friend, but the thought of that makes me want to shout for joy! So may you and I remember that we always have something to be thankful for and always a have a reason to lift our hands and sing, "You have been so, so good to me."

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us when we are so undeserving. To think that You would leave the 99 for the one that has strayed is a thought beyond comprehension and a realization that should bring each one of us to our knees in worship and appreciation. Help us Lord to realize that we are all sinners and to love and forgive one another in the same way You have done for us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Reckless Love - Cory Asbury

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc6SSHuZvQE

Avoid burnout

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." Mark 1:35 NIV

Women's Running Magazine recently published an article titled, "How To Climb Out Of A Running Rut" in which they asked the question, "If we used to run and love it but now find ourselves unable to lace up our shoes and make the time, what is happening?" What's happening, they went on to say, is that when we no longer savor the activity that was once so important to us, we have most likely experienced a case of burnout. And the best cure for burnout? Remembering why we started running in the first place and how good it made us feel - and then ditching the recording of our running stats to just enjoy the run again.

And you know, it's just as easy to experience spiritual burnout or times in our lives when the love that once burned bright for Jesus and his people turns into a flicker. When the thought of serving brings dread, hymns no longer emit joy, and we’re just not feeling close to God. While most Christians will experience this at one time or another, getting out of this rut is as easy as following the example of Jesus who regularly "very early in the morning... went off to a solitary place" where he could pray.

Did you notice Mark wrote "while it was still dark, Jesus got up" and "left the house?" He was reminding us that spending time with the Lord was our absolute first priority and required action and intentional planning on our part. Action and planning that even requires leaving our homes, if need be, to have that one-on-one time. You see, meeting with God daily my friend is the key to avoiding burnout in the first place and keeping that flame burning bright.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we run the risk of spiritual burnout when we don't put You first in our lives or daily put forth the effort to find alone time with You. Help us to seek You above everything else that our flame might never dim or die out. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

First - Lauren Daigle

https://youtu.be/RbWQV3OiRqA

He binds our wounds

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3 NIV

If you've been running for a while or have ever played sports, there's a good chance you've experienced a strain or sprain for which you've been prescribed RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) therapy. And while there are benefits to each of these treatments, I couldn't help but marvel yesterday how beneficial compression was. In fact, I recalled how the first thing the doctor did five weeks ago when I arrived at his office in pain from a hamstring strain was to snugly bind my upper leg. I had instant relief! I then wore a compression sleeve to help the muscle heal and was now applying the sleeve again (before returning to running) to give the muscle added support. Interesting how that works isn't it?

What's even more interesting or amazing is that this is exactly what the Great Physician does to heal our hurting hearts. He lovingly takes our wounds - our hurts, our disappointments, our despair, and our brokenness - and binds them. He encloses, covers and personally bandages and wraps our injuries and emotional bruises and scars to free us from our pain, suffering, distress and sadness. And He never leaves us but continues to offer us support through the Holy Spirit.

Isn't it comforting to know that we have such a personal God? A God that made the infinite universe and yet cares about our smallest worries and heartaches. Oh I sure think so. So if you're in need of healing today my friend, won't you call out to Him? He truly cares.

Heavenly Father, thank You for today's reminder of how much You love me. I pray that others would turn to You that they too might have healing and experience this great love as well. Thank You for the promise of healing our broken hearts if we would only give them to You to mend. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Come as you are - Crowder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2zhf2mqEMI

Total dependence

"Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead." 2 Corinthians 1:9 NIV

As I stepped out into the quiet darkness and deeply inhaled the smells of the early morning air yesterday, the smells of nature I had been missing since a hamstring strain had necessitated the need to simulate my runs in a pool for four weeks, I was totally overcome with emotion knowing that, timewise, the injury should have healed but I was still fearful. "Oh Lord," I pleaded out loud as the tears began to flow. "Please allow me to run today. Forgive me if I have been prideful in any way or have not given You glory where glory is due. I humbly confess that I am nothing without you and I can do nothing on my own."

And you know, as hard as it is to endure times of trial or suffering, those times are necessary to draw us closer to God. In fact, the Bible tells us that hardships happen "that we might not rely on ourselves but on God." They teach us that we are powerless to change other people and most situations. That sense of powerlessness then drives us into the Father's arms with a humble dependence on Him like nothing else could. Suffering brings a "one day at a time-ness" to our survival. It drives us to pray, "Lord, I can't make it through today without You. I can't make it through the next minute without You. Lord, I need You!"

So if you're experiencing heartache, hurt or pain today that you have absolutely no control over, take heart my friend. Realizing that we have no control over much of our lives sends us running to the very place we need to be... the Father's arms.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the adversities and afflictions in our lives that draw us closer to You and make us stronger. Help us to endure these times with patience knowing that we will be better for it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Better for it - Riley Clemmons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9n_65BLM3A

Be a champion

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV

After placing second the past three years, Elisha Barno, who is from Kenya but trains in New Mexico, won the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Sunday with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, 58 seconds. Race officials reported that Barno passed fellow Kenyan Boniface Kongin at mile 25 and held the lead until the end. Elisha later said, "I tried to push and I saw Boniface was very strong. Boniface put on a surge and I was right with him. I feel very happy and feel like I want to cry — to be a champion is not easy."

And while being a champion on the marathon course is certainly not easy, being a champion in our spiritual lives is even less easy. You see, if a champion is defined as a person who has defeated all opponents in a competition, you and I have a most formidable opponent, one unlike any rival we can visibly see, who is always on the prowl and looking to devour us. Paul understood this completely and so warned the church at Corinth to "be steadfast, immovable" and "always abounding in the work of the Lord" if they were to overcome the devil's attacks and make it to the finish line.  

What does it mean to be steadfast and immovable you might ask? It means to be firmly fixed in our faith, solid, firm, resolute, unyielding and incapable of being diverted from the purpose to which we have been called. In other words, it means we never ever give up my friend, no matter what comes our way or how many times we get knocked down. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that life will not always be easy and that being a lifetime follower of You will require that we stand firm in the midst of trials and trust You at all times. Help us to be champions of the faith Lord and win others to You by our example. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Champion - Beckah Shae
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJHtLlk_oQs

Free from fear

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love." Romans 8:38 NLT

After Wendy Martinez, 35, was brutally killed by a random and unprovoked attack while out running on the evening of September 18 in her Washington, D.C., neighborhood, her friends and family started a campaign to increase safety awareness for runners and anyone walking alone. Doris Martinez, 38, who didn't know Martinez, said the tragedy caused her to be more aware of her surroundings and to take extra precautions when out running, such as carrying her cell phone and pepper spray. But giving into the fear is not an option for her, "I found a new beautiful path today and enjoyed every moment. I don’t want to live my life in fear and deprive myself of those miles. Our time is short, and we need to live it to the fullest.”

And you know, Doris is right. Life is indeed short and should be lived to the fullest. But in a world that seems to grow increasingly more dangerous by the day, many people, including Christians, are paralyzed by fear. They are hesitant to venture outside their neighborhoods and church walls to share Christ for fear of rejection, bodily harm, pain and a variety of other reasons. But guess what? We don't have to live that way! The Bible tells us that "nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow..."

Do you understand what that means my friend? It means that you and I don't have to be afraid of anything this world can do to us! And while we still need to take measures to be safe, we should not allow fear to keep us from doing the things God has called us to - whether that be going across town or across the ocean to share the Good News - because "not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love."

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that nothing can ever separate us from your love. Help us to truly grasp that truth so that we could live life to the fullest... serving You without fear however, whenever, and wherever You call us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

You never let go - Matt Redman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM14VZVu0og

We must be the workers

"He said to his disciples, “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.'" Matthew 9:37,38

As a race director, I have learned three things to be true of organizing a running event. You need participants, you can't do anything without the help of volunteers, and the greater number of volunteers you have the greater the chances the event will be a success. Thankfully we had ample participants and volunteers at the 5th Annual Frog Hill Half/10k/5k held last weekend. And not only did we have a large group of people who freely offered to help with the race, they did it with absolute joy- knowing their actions were an opportunity to serve the community while planting seeds and sharing the love of Christ.

And if you, yourself, are not feeling the urgency to share Christ with the lost at every opportunity, consider the words of Jesus, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few." We live in a lost world my friend. A world full of unbelief, addiction, divorce, depression, and hopelessness. The number of people in our neighborhoods that need to hear about the saving grace of Jesus Christ is "great.” But because there aren’t enough people willing to go out and speak the words, people are dying in their sin every day. 

So it's not enough to simply pray that more workers would be sent then. You and I must be those "workers!" We must be the ones wiling to go out "into his fields," wherever and however He calls us, to share the good news of the Gospel. Will you do that today? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that the missions field is ripe for harvest but more workers are needed. Give us all an urgency to go out and share the Good News with others and inspire others to do the same. May we be Your hands and feet everywhere we go. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Send me - William McDowell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ynO4qSOQoE

*The Frog Hill Half Marathon/10k/5k is presented by the Frog Fitness Group of Pulaski County, Missouri. We are a family of believers devoted to being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. Our main mission is to win others to the foot of the Cross by using events such as this to reach out to the lost. Want to know more about us? Check out https://www.facebook.com/groups/FROGFITNESSGROUP/. 

The signs are everywhere

"You fools! You know how to interpret the weather signs of the earth and sky, but you don't know how to interpret the present times." Luke 12:56

In a Runner's World article recently published, Jacob Mescheke wrote, "Witty signs can be motivational and inspirational, target one runner or many, and draw their creation from every topic imaginable. But by far, the best ones are those that make you smile, which science has shown can improve your running when you need it the most." And some of the best sign slogans they found? Be the runner your dog thinks you are. You smell really fast. Worst Parade Ever and one with the thought every runner has from time to time, Why?.

And when it comes to signs, did you know that for most of recorded history the world's principal occupation was farming? And unlike in today's age, where science and technology can semi-accurately predict the weather, the farmer had to be skilled at interpreting nature's signs to predict the weather that was to come. The people of Jesus' time then understood why Jesus called them fools for not knowing, "how to interpret the present times,” or things to come. You see, Christ was preaching the message of repentance because the Kingdom of Heaven was near. The signs were all around and yet the people intentionally ignored them.

Our generation is not much different though is it? The signs that Jesus is returning soon are all around us and yet people still intentionally choose to ignore them. And by doing so, choose to forfeit the eternal salvation Christ offers all who believe. Are you one of them today my friend? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that the signs of your return are everywhere. And while it may not be in our lifetime, we have an obligation to sound the alarm and to tell others that hell is a real place, a place where a person will spend eternity if they ignore the signs and don't choose to follow You. Help us to be bold, yet loving, and patient and kind as we reach out to the lost and compel them to come to the table. It's in you're precious name we pray Jesus. 

Happy Running!!!

Come to the table - Sidewalk Prophets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXXxLwxfo0U

Measure your progress

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!" Galatians 5:22,23

If you're like most runners, you like to measure your progress from time to time. And according to Lifehacker Fitness Challenge, the best way to do that is to ask yourself things like, "Did you hit your stride? Did you find ways to make running more fun? Did you find a new skill or a new strength or a favorite new trail? Did you get better at hills, did you improve your mile time, did you decide to sign up for a race?" 

And while measuring our running progress is a good thing, measuring our spiritual progress is of even greater importance. How do we do that you might wonder? We do that by asking ourselves things like, "Am I showing more spiritual fruit in my life than I did last month or last year? Can others see that I have more love, joy, peace, patience and kindness? Does my lifestyle increasingly display more goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?" And if your answers were positive, you’re definitely moving in the right direction.

So check your progress and check it often my friend. Because there is no greater indicator that you and I are becoming more like Christ and growing in our spiritual walk than when we display the same characteristics that Jesus did. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that spiritual growth can be measured by the changes in our life. Help us to be ever conscience of whether we are displaying the fruits of of the Spirit, and to what degree, so we would know if we are improving in our spiritual walk. Most of all Lord, let us never be content with where we are but constantly striving to be more like You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

More like Jesus - Passion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BhrCKhBFB4

Better together

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 CSB

When one of my close friends called to seek some advice, we talked for a while before she (knowing that I’m blessed to be a race director) exclaimed, "I'm so sorry! It's race week. You must be extremely busy getting everything planned for the weekend." And that's when I got the chance to tell her about my amazing church family, saying, "Actually I'm not that busy. My brothers and sisters at church, united in vision, totally stepped up to do the things I can't do now that I have a full time job. They have literally filled every gap and I don't know what I would do without them." 

And you know, when it comes to work, the Bible tells us that “ we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do." Did you notice that Paul didn’t say "I am his workmanship" though, but "we are his workmanship"? And that God prepared us, not just me, for good works? You see, while each one of us was indeed created to work for the Lord, we weren't designed to do it alone. We were meant to work together to do so much than we could ever do solo. 

So in the words of Rick Warren, "As you walk through life, remember that you're not supposed to do everything on your own. You need other people to walk alongside you, but you also need other people to work alongside you. As you share the burden of your work with fellow Christians, you'll find that you actually accomplish more for the glory of God." And isn't bringing glory to God the purpose of all we do my friend? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that Christians need one another to fulfill the calling God has placed on each one of our lives. Help us to look for ways to help our brothers and sisters excel in those things God has called them to and let us not be too embarrassed or hesitant to ask for help when we need it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Better together - Potential Worship

https://youtu.be/9KqGQbgWR14

Show it by your actions

"If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions." 1 John 3:17,18

"Hey Melissa! I signed up for the Frog Hill 5k and half marathon but unfortunately am in NO shape to do it. I was wondering if registration was transferable, and if so, if you knew anyone who wanted to run and just couldn’t afford registration. I'm not seeking any kind of reimbursement, just want someone to be able to use the entry!" Is that a great attitude or what? This runner that messaged me, who was obviously unable to attend the race planned for this weekend, did not want her money back but wanted to bless someone else with it instead. And do you know what her response was when I thanked her and told her there was someone who could definitely use it? "Wahoo!" Now is that a cheerful giver or what? 

But truthfully, when it comes to giving to those in need, shouldn't all Christians have that same attitude? Shouldn't we all be looking for opportunities to show the love of Christ to others by sharing what we have? Of course! As the Bible tells us, when you and I see "a brother or sister in need", we are to have compassion on them. Thus we should not "merely say that we love each other" but "show the truth by our actions." That means giving to others anytime we have the money, time, or ability to do so. 

In the words of David Jeremiah then, let us remember that "Love is worthless unless it acts out, unless it's expressed in deed and behavior." And so let our actions show our love for the Lord and for others my friend. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that our actions and the love that is demonstrated through them have the power to lead others to the Cross. Help us to love others in the same way that You do that we might be known as people who put their love into action. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Love is action - Tauren Wells

https://youtu.be/owS7uJcdDh8