Ordinary heroes

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Hebrews 11:1,2 NIV

Prior to this Saturday's St. Jude Marathon, Kent Stoneking was honored with the St. Jude Hero Among Us award for his continued support and fundraising efforts as a St. Jude Hero - a runner who not only pays to run one of the weekend's races, but also raises money for the hospital while training for the marathon. Aside from raising money for the children needing treatment at the St. Jude Hospital though, Stoneking inspires them by annually completing this 26.2 mile race with the help of a prosthetic leg fashioned for running. 

And while the world would define a hero as a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities, the Bible would add that a hero is a person who puts their faith into action. A person who, like Abraham, hears God's calling and by faith moves forward to fulfill that calling without being able to "see" what's in store. Or a person who, like Noah, is obedient to the point of building an ark when they "do not see" the rain. But guess what? These heroes of the faith were ordinary people just like you and me that simply obeyed the will of God and impacted generations to come.

And you know, in a world that needs more heroes, you and I can be those ordinary people making a difference in the lives of others too... by simply being obedient. By going wherever we are called to go and doing whatever we are called to do. Can you imagine the impact you and I could have on this world if we did my friend?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that every one of us can be a hero to someone else by simply listening to Your direction for our lives and following it. Help us to have the type of faith that causes us to take action without questioning the results that one day we might be "commended" for our faith along with the saints. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I will follow - Chris Tomlin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ODe4sGCKxc

Left behind

"Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left." Matthew 24:40,41

If you're looking for a new adventure and have an extra $24,000 burning a hole in your pocket, you might be a perfect candidate for the inaugural Race the Jet Marathon taking place in Antarctica next February. You'll need to be speedy though as the private Gulfstream 550 luxury jet that will fly you to the start line and back out is legally limited to only five hours on the ground. This means runners will be off and running just minutes after landing and must complete the 26.2 miles under cutoff or get left behind. Runners who miss the cutoff aren’t truly stranded, of course. They spend the night in one of White Desert’s luxury residential pods (read: igloo mansions) and share a cargo plane with a load of the camp’s garbage back to South Africa the next day.

And while these runners will know well in advance the exact time the plane will leave so they can be prepared, the Bible is clear that Jesus' return will be swift and sudden and come without notice. Two men will simply "be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left." In other words, those that believe in Jesus will immediately go to be with Him - and those that don't will be left behind. 

So if Jesus were to return at this very moment, would you be prepared to meet Him? The answer to that is of the highest importance my friend. It literally determines your destiny... whether you go home or get left behind. And I promise you, you do not want to get left behind. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You will be coming back for your children. Help us Lord to live each day for You - preparing ourselves and others for your return. Oh Lord, please give us a boldness to reach out to the lost that they might come to know You so they are not left behind. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

People get ready - Avalon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYDEziRutP8

Make the change

"'And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.'" Matthew 13:57

One of the reasons I love coaching Couch-to-5k programs so much is watching the way running changes the participants - particularly the increased confidence they gain and the love of the sport this lifestyle change brings even after the program ends. Changes that don't go unnoticed by the families of these new runners either, as recent graduate Frances acknowledged in a post over Thanksgiving, "Sometimes you have to sneak out before daylight to get your run in. Now to face those 'where have you been looks.'" 

And you know, anytime a person makes a drastic life-style change, especially if they've made the decision to follow Jesus, non-believing friends and family might not understand or even accept it. But that doesn't mean it's the time to give up - but rather the time to be patient and prayerful that this new found transformation would result in a lifestyle change in us so dramatic and admirable that others would be drawn to make the same decision to accept Christ because of it. 

So if this is you today, remember this my friend. Jesus' friends and family didn't understand or accept Him when He left Nazareth as a carpenter's son and returned changed. He knows what you're going through and you're not alone. Don't give up. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that as believers we will face opposition and rejection in this world and even in our own homes. Help us to press on in spite of this that we might be an example to others through the way we live that making the decision to follow Jesus is the best decision anyone could ever make. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!! 

Changed - Jordan Feliz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGPMX4zU9jc

We must be ready

"You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected." Matthew 24:44 NLT

In keeping with my usual Sunday morning routine, I rose early yesterday to read my Bible and then get in a run before heading to church. And I was so glad that I did. The temperature was perfect, the air was still, the trail was quiet, and the sun was just coming up on what appeared to be a beautiful day in the making. And no sooner had I thought to myself, "I could really get used to this," a weather alert flashed on my phone. "BE READY: huge changes this afternoon." With a drastic drop in temperature and possible snow on the way, I was really grateful for the warning. 

And while being given advance notice of a change in the weather can help us prepare for what's ahead, you and I won't have that same advance notice to prepare for Jesus' return. In fact, the Bible is very clear that no one knows when Jesus will come back only that "the Son of Man will come when least expected." What does that mean for us then? It means that you and I "must be ready all the time." 

So if you think you can live outside the will of God now and repent at the last moment, think again my friend. It could be today, it could be tomorrow. or it could be a hundred years from now but Jesus is coming back. And when He does, there will be no second chances. You and I must be ready. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that Jesus will be returning one day when we least expect it. Help us to truly grasp the enormity of this event that we might live every day as if His return were imminent and urge others to do the same. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Coming back for me - Brenton Brown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdiiijSS0cI

This is the moment

"If you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father's family will be destroyed. Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.'" Esther 4:14 CSB

As a hospice nurse, Kimberly Blomgren knows just how fleeting and precious life is and says she runs for a number of reasons. Most importantly though, she runs to make a difference in the lives of those around her. "I run because it focuses me completely on my job...The biggest gift of this work—and there are many—is that you realize that you have this one moment on earth. It forces you to ask yourself: What is your goal? What is your dream? If I die today, did I do something good? It’s not about the stuff or the things we accumulate. While I’m running, I find myself thinking, almost meditating that This is the moment I have."

And if a moment is defined as a very brief period of time (and life is brief even if you and I live to be 100), this is the moment you and I have too. The moment where we, like Esther, can use the unique "position" God has placed us in to make a difference in this world. And while our position may not allow us to do something as profound as providing care and compassion to the dying or saving the "Jewish people" from certain death, it does give us opportunities to show the love of Jesus to at least one person - which can have eternal significance.

So whatever position you find yourself in today, won't you use it to be a blessing to someone else? Because truly, my friend, this may be the only moment you and I have.... and we don't want to waste it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that life is very brief and that we only have a short period of time to do things for others that will have long-lasting effects. May our goal be to not waste even one moment of time serving You by serving others. May we be bold in our efforts to lead people to the foot of the Cross. 

Happy Running!!!

Follow me there - Third Day

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

The best savings

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Wow! I hadn't even begun celebrating Thanksgiving yesterday before receiving ads and invitations to take advantage of pre-Black Friday sales on everything from Runner's World Subscriptions and Nike Thermo Tights to Garmin watches and Proform Treadmills. With all the retailers' promises of free shipping and discounted prices, these savings seem too good to pass up don't they? And if you think those offers are great, what if I told you about another offer that makes them pale in comparison? The absolute best offer ever extended on a Friday?

You see on a Good Friday nearly 2,000 years ago, our Savior, Jesus Christ, died on a cross so that He could offer you and me the greatest deal of all time.... eternal life. Why? Because He loves us. The Bible tells us so when it says that, "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son..." And if that wasn't amazing enough, it gets even better! You don't have to wait for a sale or a special day to receive this life-saving savings, eternal life is offered to "whoever believes in him."

And it's as simple as that my friend-accept and trust in Him and be saved. It's a decision that will most assuredly change the rest of your life as Billy Graham so wisely knew when he said, "I have never known anyone to accept Christ’s redemption and later regret it.”

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would send your Son to die for us that we might spend eternity with You. If there is anyone reading this today that has not accepted you as their Lord and Savior, I pray today they pray these words, "Lord, I admit that I am a sinner. I believe that you died on the cross to save me from my sins and I accept you as Lord of my life. Forgive me and help me start new knowing that I can look forward to eternal life with You". It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Glorious day - Casting Crowns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xODpgyqGCYM

Thankful

"LORD, you have examined me and you know me. You know everything I do; from far away you understand all my thoughts. You see me, whether I am working or resting; you know all my actions. Even before I speak,you already know what I will say." Psalm 139:1-4 GNT

During my early morning run yesterday, I passed the time by listening to my favorite Christian radio station while mentally listing all the things I had to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. God's grace and forgiveness, running, my friends and family, my church, my job, my home and new sunrises came to mind. And then these lyrics played, "I'm fully known and loved by You. You won't let go no matter what I do." Now that is something to be truly thankful for I thought. God knows everything about me... absolutely everything. But He loves me anyway. 

And you know, just as the psalmist knew, the Lord has examined each one of us and knows us intimately.  He knows everything you and I do (the good, bad, and the ugly) and perceives our deepest thoughts. He sees us when we are working as well as when we are resting and knows all our actions, even the ones done in secret. In fact, even before you and I open our mouths to speak, He knows what we will say. And yet, in spite of all our failings and shortcomings, He loves us anyway. 

So today and everyday. let us give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love, kindness and mercy - never forgetting that we are undeserving of any of it. Think of it my friend! Isn't it exciting to know that we have a God who knows everything about us and yet loves us anyway?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the many blessings You have given to all those who believe in You. We are so undeserving and yet You sent your Son to die for us that we might spend eternity with You. Oh Lord, help us to be so overcome with thankfulness that we boldly tell others about You that they too might share in the blessings. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Known - Tauren Wells

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xckDgX8xNfg

United as one

"I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one--as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me." John 17:21 NLT

In an article published yesterday titled, "What's The Difference Between Running & Jogging," Adnan Munye, a personal trainer, said, "When jogging, the body has a prominent bouncy movement. However, running is made up of long strides and faster arm movements." Another expert said, "You're likely to find joggers running in packs, chatting and socializing. A runner will often be found running solo, checking their watch frequently and monitoring their heart rate to stay in a training zone." No matter the differences though, the runners and joggers had one thing in common they said - the love of feel-good endorphins coursing through their body. 

And you know, when it comes to commonalities and differences, it's okay for believers to have differing views on how things should be done within the church. In fact, new ideas and opinions often help a church grow and get better. What's not okay, though, is to let those differences divide us. Which is why Jesus prayed that "they," meaning you and I, "will all be one, just as you and I are one... so that the world will believe you sent me." You see, in order for the church to reach and convert the lost, its' members must be fully united. 

So may our highest goal then be to reconcile our differences that we might work together as "one" with a common goal. Because it's only then, my friend, that the church can be the powerful testimony to the reality of God's love it's called to be. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us the way You do. Help us to continually remember that, as believers, we all share a common goal. Help us to not bicker and fight then over things that don't matter but to, at all costs, work towards being one with one another just as Jesus and God are one that we might win souls. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

United - Dan Loewen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5NjhTnRDrE

The power of encouragement

"So don’t be ashamed of the message about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, his prisoner. Instead, join with me as I suffer for the good news. God’s power will help us do that." 2 Timothy 6:8 NIRV

"I was running my marathon and I was on track for my goal pace until around mile 18 when the cold weather and rain was getting to me bad... my hips were killing me and I had a huge blister on my foot. At mile 24 I could not take any more and was ready to quit. I thought there was no way I could finish the last two miles." These were the words of young Luke Morrison moments after he crossed the finish line of the Route 66 Marathon Sunday. And do you know what spurred him on to finish through the doubt, fear and pain? Words of encouragement from his family and friends. "I was pushed to do so much more than I thought and I'm so grateful for everyone that told me I could."

Oh the power of encouraging words! They can motivate even the most worn out and tired person to press on to the finish line. Paul certainly understood this. In fact, when young Timothy was facing mounting persecution and becoming increasingly weary and afraid to share the Gospel, Paul said, "don't be ashamed of the message about our Lord... join with me as I suffer for the good news. God's power will help us do that." He was reminding the young pastor to stand firm, that suffering was a temporary price to pay for the reward awaiting him for staying faithful, and that he was more than capable of overcoming this trial by the power of Christ dwelling inside him. And press on Timothy did! All because of a few choice words. 

And you know, you and I have the power to provide this same motivation to others by the words we say. So look around my friend. Find someone who needs encouragement and remind them they are not alone. Everything they need to overcome is found in God. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that words have so much power. Help us to be encouragers to those around us and to spur our Christian brothers and sisters to stay in the race until they reach that final finish line. Most of all Lord, remind each one of us that Your power within us will allow us to achieve things that look impossible. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Hard love - Need to breathe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDWhCaDgd3Y

People of praise

"For the music director; by the Lord’s servant David, who sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord rescued him from the power of all his enemies, including Saul. He said: “I love you, Lord, my source of strength!" Psalm 18:1 NET

"You have a beautiful singing voice ma'am," the young volunteer said as I approached the aid station near mile 24 of the Honoring our Heroes Marathon Saturday. Realizing I had been caught unabashedly singing praise songs once again, I laughed and said, "Why thank you, I've been practicing for 23 miles." The truth was though, I had been singing desperately to the Lord from the beginning because I needed help. For many reasons, this was one the hardest 26.2 mile races I had ever done and I knew from the start that I couldn't do it on my own. I just didn't have the strength. It had to come from the Lord.

And you know, we've all had times when we've wanted to give up. David certainly did. Especially during the long period he was mercilessly pursued by Saul - forced to constantly be on the move and live in caves to avoid being killed. Quickly realizing he didn't have the strength to press on in his own power, David, who was known to sing to the Lord on all occasions, called out for help. And you know what? Just as David believed He would, God "rescued him from the power of all his enemies, including Saul" prompting David to gratefully sing, "I love you, Lord, my source of strength."

So if you're trying to do things on your own and failing miserably at it today, you're in a good place. You see, it's there, in the place where you and I become fully aware that we are powerless to overcome adversity on our own that we are forced to look up and find our true "source of strength." And that, my friend, should have us all singing praise songs.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we are to be people of praise, with worship on our lips and in our hearts in the good times and in the bad. Help us to give up control and look up to You, the only One strong enough to carry us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Strong enough - Matthew West
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_gCfA0Dmgg

Kindness not random

"Do not withhold good from those who need it, when you have the ability to help." Proverbs 3:27 NET

My long-time friend, Shannon, not only loves running but loves finding good deals. So you can imagine her surprise when she found two pairs of Hoka running shoes, one pair new and one pair nearly new, at a local thrift store for $8 each. Even though they weren't her size, she felt compelled to buy them anyway-just sure someone needed them. And someone did need them. It "just so happened" that a woman approached her after she checked out and said she had been looking for a pair of HOKAs in that exact size but couldn't find them. Sensing that money was the issue, Shannon said, "Oh good-here you go" and handed over both pairs as the grateful recipient began to cry.

And while some might define this deed as a random act of kindness, there was nothing random at all about it. You see, random implies that this deed was irregular and not the norm. But if you know Shannon, you would know that she's always looking for opportunities to bless others (this is her norm). And as Christians, shouldn't this be our norm as well? Of course! In fact, the Bible tells us that when you and and I "have the ability to help.. those who need it" we should do it without hesitation and at every chance we have. 

So if you have the occasion to do something kind and good for someone today, don't wait my friend. Because as Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that one small act of kindness has the power to lead someone to the foot of the Cross. Help us to be open and obedient to the Spirit's nudging that we might not miss an opportunity to do good to someone in need. Let the change this world needs start with us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Let it start with me - No other Name

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H_hmNqls7A

Respect the Name

"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain." Exodus 20:7 BSB

Last week a video of a man proposing to his beloved at mile 16 of the New York City Marathon went viral. It seems he hopped the barrier just as his girlfriend ran by, got down on one knee and popped the question. She said yes as people cheered and then ran off to finish the race. Romantic right? Not according to the author of an article titled, "Please Dear God Don’t Propose to Me in the Middle of a Marathon." It's not the content of the article that bothered me though. It's the use of God's name in vain. 

And while we live in a world where it's become commonplace and acceptable to say OMG to express happiness, annoyance and a host of other emotions, it's still a sin. In fact the Bible tells us that "the Lord will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain." You see, God's name is the Name above all names - and as Creator of the universe He deserves our highest honor, esteem and respect. To use His name in an irreverent manner in any way then is not only a violation of the Third Commandment but a conveyance of contempt for the very One who made us.

P.G. Ryken says it this way, "To dishonor God’s name in any way is to denigrate his holiness. It is a way of saying that God himself is worthless." So be careful how you speak my friend. His Name deserves nothing less than our utmost respect and reverence.  

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that your Name is not just a Name, it reveals all that You are and is to be honored and respected the same way that You are. Help us Lord to never use it in vain but to proclaim boldly to all the world that nothing has the power to save but Your high and holy name. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Your Name - Phillips, Craig and Dean
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzviEHyIggI

Red letters

"While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.'"

"It was a great morning," Theodore Strange said regarding the start of what was to be his 25th running of the New York City Marathon. Aiming for a 4:15 finish, this 59-year-old doctor was right on pace until mile 16 when he heard someone screaming for help. Looking over, he spotted a woman standing over her friend lying on the ground. Approaching the fallen runner, the physician immediately knew something was wrong. The woman was blue in the face, wasn’t breathing, and had started foaming at the mouth. When Strange kneeled beside her to check the pulse on her wrist, he felt nothing. Without hesitating, Strange started performing CPR. When the chest compressions weren't working, he shouted for a defibrillator. After four attempts to shock her heart, the woman finally twitched and breathed. “She had a pulse again,” Strange said. “And we all were relieved.”

And you know, had the doctor not been there, this runner would most certainly not have survived. After all she was technically dead right? But the good physician worked to bring her back to life. Which is exactly what our Great Physician does. He comes to revive the hearts of those people completely "dead" in their sin. Even those that believe themselves to be so "dead" that Jesus wouldn't possibly "bother" with them anymore. But guess what? That's not true. Jesus came to save us all. The red letters tell us so.

So if you've lost all hope today and think you or a loved one are so spiritually "dead" that God can't bring you back to life, think again my friend. He did it for the synagogue leader and He can do it for you. There's absolutely nothing you have done that God won't forgive if you will "just believe." Won't you do that today?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that you can revive the hearts and lives of those who have lost all hope. If that describes anyone reading this, I pray today is the day they put their fears aside and believe that You are the Great Physician who can and will give them a new life here and eternal life hereafter. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Red Letters - Crowder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zcGBXCEo64

Use me

"I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8

Famed ultrarunner Pete Kostelnick made headlines over the weekend when he completed a 5,384 mile run from Alaska to Florida 13 days ahead of schedule. To complete this monumental task, Pete averaged 55 miles a day for 97 days. And what he learned from the experience?  “I didn’t pick up any groundbreaking secrets to the universe on this run,” he said. “But I did learn that there’s so much more to this world beyond the routines and work that we get stuck doing every day. Get outside, get some fresh air, go for a run. That can change your life.”

Wow! And while running and stepping outside our daily ruts and routines can certainly change our lives, what can truly change your life and mine is praying this simple prayer, "Lord use me." Why? Because as Pastor Rick Warren writes, "God is looking for people to use, and if you can get usable, he will wear you out. The most dangerous prayer you can pray is this: 'Use me.'" And just how do we get usable? By simply saying, "I desire to do your will, my God" and meaning it. 

So if you really want to make a difference in this world and live a life worth remembering, allow God to use you in any way He sees fit my friend. And if you think He can't use you, think again. He can and will use anyone that is willing. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us all unique talents and abilities. May we remember that everything we have and everything we are were given to us to be used in service to You. May each one of your followers solemnly pray, "Lord use me" and then allow themselves to be completely used by You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Here am I - Mercyme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_25xmqs8AEQ

The cheerleaders

"For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' Matthew 25:35,36 NLT

After eight weeks of training, the runners in the Couch to 5k program I had the blessing of teaching were ready for their race Saturday morning. That is until the forecasted temperature dropped to 16 with a windchill. And while most of the group opted to wait a week, two runners decided to stick to the schedule. Knowing they would benefit from having people join them on their run, I put out a post asking the members of our Frog Fitness Group to come out and be their cheerleaders. And you know what? Even though they had never met these runners, more than a handful of "cheerleaders" came out in the frigid temps to run alongside and encourage these complete strangers to finish the race. 

And when it comes to strangers, the Bible tells us that there are many things you and I can do to help them-actions that will demonstrate our love for the Father and hopefully inspire them to become followers as well. We can visit them in prison and minister to those who are sick. We can help clothe and feed the poor, and we can show kindness to strangers-making them feel loved, worthy and welcome either in our homes or elsewhere. 

And while most of us don’t have the time or resources to make caring for others a full time ministry, we can all do something where we are with what we have at every opportunity. And it might be something as simple as showing up to a race to cheer on a complete stranger on a very cold morning. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that acts of kindness can and should be done at every opportunity. Help us to remember Lord that when we do things for others, we are actually doing them for You and that our actions have the power to lead strangers to the foot of the Cross. Spur us on to be your hands and feet. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Love with your life - Hollyn

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

Keep running

"The LORD's people may suffer a lot, but he will always bring them safely through."  Psalm 34:19 CEV

Ryan Sullivan, a senior at Youngstown State, was excited to be running an 8k in the Pre-Nationals race in Madison, Wisconsin last month. Determined to do his best, he was prepared and ready for the fast course. What he was not prepared for however was, 600 meters in, losing his shoe while grabbing a runner to keep him from falling. At his coach's warning, he had even double knotted his spikes. So what do you do when life throws a curveball like that? Keep running of course! And that's exactly what Ryan did. In fact, he ran so fast he passed 45 runners and finished the race with a PR of 24:34.4. He also found his shoe afterwards near his bag-perfectly double knotted.

And you know, no matter how well prepared you and I think we are, unexpected and sudden difficulties, snags, and curveballs will always come our way. In fact, the Bible clearly tells us that "the Lord's people may suffer a lot." But it also tells us that He will bring us "safely through." That means when trouble strikes, and it always will, you and I have two choices-look at our problems and give up or look to our God and press on.

So no matter what you're facing today my friend, I hope you'll choose to believe God's promises are true. And then I hope you'll make the choice to stand firm in the fight and keep running!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that our best made plans can always fail but You never ever fail us. Your promises are always true and for that we have no reason to fear. Help us to trust you Lord in the midst of our troubles. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Keep on running - Caleb Taylor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8joOE_Vf2Y

Choose joy

"You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 1:6 NIV

Paul Fetcher, 72, completed his 300th 26.2 mile race Sunday when he crossed the finish line of the New York City Marathon in 5 hours, 29 minutes and 17 seconds, a feat he described as "painful, but in a pleasant way." And although he described his finish time as "awful" because the winners in his age group beat him by about two hours, Paul said the race still gave him "joy," as running has done for the past six decades. “It’s taken me a lot of places, and I’ve done a lot of things,” Fetscher said. “Running has literally taken me around the world.”

And while hobbies, passions and possessions can certainly bring us joy, or a feeling of great pleasure and happiness, true joy is only found in Jesus Christ. You see, pleasure is temporary and happiness is fickle and fleeting. They can both disappear the moment things don't go well or the possessions we look to for contentment are lost or taken away. But joy, because it is "given by the Holy Spirit" remains in us even "in the midst of severe suffering."

So if you're just not feeling the joy today my friend, consider the words of Billy Sunday, "If you have no joy, there’s a leak in your Christianity somewhere." Then find that leak through prayer and Bible study and plug it up. Life's too short to frown!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the Holy Spirit who fills us with  joy even in the darkest of times. If there is someone out there who has never experienced this for themselves, I pray today that they would ask the Spirit to dwell inside their hearts and make the decision to obediently follow You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Joy - For King and Country

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-r7ogDaaEQ

A reason to smile

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:14 ESV

While looking at all the pictures and posts from Sunday's Bass Pro Marathon, my mind drifted back to a time not so long ago. Here I was unabashedly and uninhibitedly smiling and laughing before the race, during the race and even after the race, while many years ago there was a time I was afraid to smile. You see, I had believed the devils' lies. In fact, I had believed them for as far back as I could remember-the lies that told me I was ugly, unworthy, useless and valueless. But guess what? I no longer believe those lies. 

And you know what? You don't have to believe them either. In fact, you don't have to, and should never, believe anything the devil says because there is no truth in him... absolutely none. Everything he whispers into your ear is a lie. Thankfully though, you and I can believe absolutely everything the Lord says. And He says you and I are "fearfully and wonderfully made." That means in the eyes of God, you and I are beautiful, dearly loved, and have a reason to smile every day. 

So don't buy into the devils' lies my friend. Not even for a moment. God's works are wonderful and you are one of them! "My soul knows it very well" and I hope yours' does too. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You don't make mistakes. Help us to see ourselves as You do Lord that we might not waste another day believing words You didn't say. Thank you for being the Perfect Potter who formed us exactly as You wanted us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Mistakes - Melody Noel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHem5Mz7YMw

The next generation

"You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others." 2 Timothy 2:2 NLT

Thousands of people tuned in to watch the New York City Marathon Sunday. And for those cheering on the American women, there was cause to celebrate when they took four of the top seven spots. Still, they said, they felt they could have been better. Des Linden, who won Boston in April and took sixth in New York, said, "It’s definitely a great group of runners, and I think we’re continually pushing the bar for each other. And it’s hopefully getting a lot of young eyeballs on the sport, getting people excited about the marathon. Hopefully that creates more depth in the future and inspires the next generation. I think that’s the goal for all of us."

And when it comes to inspiring the next generation, shouldn't our goal as Christians be to inspire them as well? To "teach" the truths of the Bible to those younger than us so they will not only "be able to pass them on to others" but will be motivated to do so? Of course it should be. You see, the time will come when you and I will pass the baton. And when we do, we will need to have trained and "trustworthy people" there ready and willing to accept it and continue sharing the Gospel.

So may you and I be consistent and persistent in our pursuit and knowledge of the Word that we might better be able to teach and equip the next generation for a lifetime of service. Because as Mike Bullmore writes, "Essential to our faithfulness in gospel ministry is this investment in a succeeding generation of gospel ministers."

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that each one of us is called inspire, teach and equip the next generation to carry on the work of the ministry. Help us to take this calling seriously that we might be able to pass the baton to trustworthy believers devoted to then doing the same thing. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

For Future Generations - 4Him
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_T9d9vqbZY

That one sheep

"'What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off." Matthew 18:12,13 NIV

I had the blessing yesterday of not only running the Bass Pro Marathon but co-leading the 4 hour, 30 minute pace group. For 26.2 miles, my job was to encourage the runners following to stay focused and press on to the finish line. And while runners hopped in and out of the group as the race progressed and became more difficult, one first-time marathoner stayed with us the entire time. For hours he and I spoke frankly about our past, life in general, running and Jesus. And as I listened intently for all that time, I was so sure that this was a "divine appointment" that, nearing the finish line, I looked at him and said, "God surely loves you my friend. It's no coincidence that you're in this group. He arranged all of this to lead you back to Him." 

And you know what? The runner smiled and agreed. But isn't that just like the Good Shepherd to arrange meetings such as this? Divine appointments that give you and me a chance to share God’s love? In fact, the Lord loves his children so much that when one of His sheep strays He will "leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?" And the best part? When He finds the one, "he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off." 

So no matter where you're at, be open to the Lord's prompting my friend. In God's reckless love and pursuit of the one that “wanders away,” He could very well be using you to lead that one sheep back to Him. Don't miss the opportunity. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You would personally arrange meetings such as these. Help us to open our hearts to hear the promptings and then obedient to obey them. May we care as much about the one that wandered off as You do Lord.  It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Reckless love - Cory Asbury

https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=Sc6SSHuZvQE

Boast only

"As the Scriptures say, "If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.'" 2 Corinthians 10:17 NLT

Eight weeks ago, the group of runners I was blessed to begin coaching for a 5k training plan had a hard time finishing their first short workout. So when they completed more than half an hour of a non-stop workout last night, I was smiling as I exclaimed, "You all make me so proud! You are definitely ready for that 5k next week!" And when later that evening, I received a message from one of them, I had to smile yet again, "Not trying to brag, but I've been exceeding the weekly goals for about three weeks now. I really feel like I'm ready to run - and I mean RUN - a 5k." Knowing this man's heart and his love for the Lord, I knew that he was not bragging about his own strength but God's.

And when it come to boasting, bragging, or talking with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about our achievements, possessions, or abilities. the Bible clearly tells us that if we want to boast, we should "boast only about the Lord." Why? Because those achievements, possessions, and abilities that we might be tempted to think we gained on our own, come from God and God alone. And only He deserves the credit. 

So feel free to brag my friend. But boast only about the good things God has allowed you to achieve or acquire. And then live your life seeking the praise of the Creator rather than the praise of people. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You alone are worthy of our praise. Help us to never keep the glory for ourselves that is due only to You. May we aspire to do great things Lord that we might glorify Your name and draw others to the foot of the Cross by our example. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I will boast - Paul Baloche

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M751LPr8x8