Rejoice in the day

"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

If your Newsfeed automatically pops up running news like mine does, you might have been both shocked and saddened, as I was, to read that a 44-year-old Norwegian woman, whose name is still being withheld, was struck and killed by lightning while participating in the 75-mile Sudtirol Ultra Skyrace in Italy on Saturday. According to a press release posted on the race’s Facebook page and website, the strike occurred at around 7:15 p.m... Due to the dangerous storms, officials called off the race about 30 minutes before the strike, and were stopping runners at the aid stations... However, many runners were between aid stations in spots that track marshals could not reach them, as was the case with the Norwegian runner. 

And you know, as this story shows, our days do not always go as we plan them and are certainly not guaranteed. Which is why I made the decision long ago to "rejoice and be glad" in each one of them. You see, I have come to realize that each and every day "that the Lord has made," and more importantly given me to enjoy, is a one-of-a-kind, beautiful and full-of-opportunities priceless gift that I will never get back. It will literally pass before my eyes and I will have either spent it with a smile on my face praising the One who made it or not. And you know what? Each new day gives you an opportunity to choose to rejoice or not as well. 

So I hope that today and every day, knowing that tomorrow is not guaranteed, you will choose to "rejoice and be glad" in the “day that the Lord has made.” After all, this day is truly an unmerited, undeserved, and precious present from the Giver of all good things.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that our days are fleeting and never guaranteed. Knowing that life could end at any moment, help us to rejoice and be glad in each second, each minute, each hour and each day that You grant us. And as we do so Lord, may others come to seek the cause of our great joy and then join us in rejoicing! It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Rejoice - Chris Tomlin

Give careful thought to your route

"Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways." Proverbs 4:26 NIV

For the past four years, Lenny Maughan, a.k.a. the runner who makes elaborate artwork with his feet and a map, has turned his San Francisco running routes into works of art. His paths through the city are carefully chosen so that, viewed on a map, they form illustrations of everything from a simple heart shape to the Starship Enterprise. The tracking process is high-tech, but the whole thing starts with just a pen and paper. “When I was a kid everyone thought I’d be an artist when I grew up – I was always drawing things,” he said.

And you know, when it comes to carefully choosing paths for our feet to follow, how our running routes might be viewed on a map shouldn't be our biggest concern... following Jesus’ path should. In fact, the Bible is clear that you and I are to "give careful thought" to the paths our feet take and to "be steadfast" in all our ways. Put more simply, our greatest concern should always be to remove any and all obstacles from our lives that might interfere with our walk with the Lord so that we can follow His ways perfectly and not get tripped up or be tempted to veer off the path for any reason. 

So go ahead and plan those crazy running routes my friend. But be sure to give careful thought to going only where God leads you. After all, the elaborate artwork He leads us to make will always be better than anything we could have created on our own. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that there are many things that might cause us to wander off the straight and narrow path You have laid out before us. Help us to give careful thought to every decision we make that we might not be led off course and into sin. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Hymn of the Holy Spirit - Pat Barrett

We reap what we sow

"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." Galatians 6:7 NIV

In a statement released on Twitter last week, Luke Traynor, a GB cross country runner who is facing a four year ban from UK sport after recently testing positive for cocaine said, "I have made an incredibly stupid and uncharacteristic mistake and for that I am deeply sorry. I am sorry to my family, friends, coaches, sponsors, and anybody who has supported my progress at any stage of my career." In his statement, the 26-year-old runner went on to admit that he tested positive for benzoylecgonine - a metabolite of cocaine and said he had taken the drug, “as a one-off and in a purely social situation.”

And while I have no doubt that Traynor is truly sorry for what he did and can most certainly be forgiven for his mistake, he will still have to face the consequences of it. And you know, the same is true about the stupid mistakes you and I make. You see, although God promises to forgive the sins of those who repent, the Word clearly says that "a man reaps what he sows." Simply said, that means you and I, although fully exonerated from our transgressions upon asking for forgiveness, will still be rightfully left to deal with the repercussions or effects of our actions. For instance, if you and I choose to steal from someone but then repent, God will forgive us for that sin but we will still be at the mercy of the courts to make restitution. 

So if you're dealing with the consequences of a mistake you've made today my friend, rejoice in the assurance that you are forgiven and that you are not alone. And then rejoice that you have a Father who truly loves you no matter what you’ve done. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that sin always has consequences and that forgiveness does not release us from experiencing them. And Lord, when we feel as though we are not forgiven because we are reaping what we've sown, please remind us that you removed our sins as far as the east is from the west the moment we asked for forgiveness. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Forgiven - Sanctus Real

Love just as He did

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.''' John 13:34,35 ESV

Before the beginning of Saturday's 7th Annual Army Engineer Association 5k I was blessed to attend, the runners piling up at the start line were informed that Tom Chambers, a man who had worked at the Army Engineer School for more than a decade, had died. We were then asked to observe a moment of silence in his honor. And as I closed my eyes to do that very thing, I prayed, "I didn't know this gentleman Lord but he must have touched a lot of lives to have earned this special tribute. May I live a life worthy of being remembered too. But more than anything Lord, may I be remembered as a woman who loved her Jesus with a passion that led her to love everyone she knew." 

And you know, when it comes to showing the world that we love the Lord, Jesus said, "just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples..." That means people will only know we love the Savior when we love them to an equal degree and in the exact same way He loved us when He went to the cross to die for our sins. That means loving people who might never love us back, loving people who are addicted, diseased and dirty and loving people to the point we act upon that love, giving all we have to help them with no thought of getting anything in return. 

I don't know about you my friend, but loving Jesus and others just as He loved me, and continues to love me, is the only legacy I care to leave behind. After all, loving others is the only thing that will have mattered when my days are done and I go home to meet the One who gave all of us the perfect example of love to follow. What legacy do you want to leave?

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us when we were so undeserving of it. Your Word tells us that You loved us even while we were turning our backs on You as You made your way to the Cross to die for our sins. Help us to truly grasp the enormity of that Lord that we might love others in the same sacrificial way. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Loving my Jesus - Casting Crowns

Weigh all advice against the Word

"Jeroboam asked for advice and then made two gold statues of calves. He showed them to the people and said, "Listen everyone! You won't have to go to Jerusalem to worship anymore. Here are your gods who rescued you from Egypt." 1 Kings 12:28 CEV

Upon making the decision to run a marathon, especially an ultramarathon, the first thing most people will do is ask for advice on training. And while seeking counsel is most definitely a good thing that can save a runner a lot of time and energy (as long a person gets it from a good source), listening to bad advice can cause a runner to experience fatigue, failure and injury. And some of the worst advice ever given for running an ultra according to a recent article published by Canadian Running Magazine was; start fast (not a good idea as any experienced ultra runner knows - you can rarely recover from going out too fast) and expect the best (never ever ever expect the best in any race, especially an ultra, always train and prepare for the worst).

And you know, just as following bad running advice can keep us from reaching the finish line in a race, following bad spiritual advice can do the same. Consider the story of Jeroboam who "asked for advice and then” upon listening to that advice “made two gold statues of calves.” He then instructed "the people" that if it was too timely and tiresome to travel to Jerusalem to worship (as God had clearly commanded the Jewish men to do three times a year), it would be okay to worship at the temples he had set up that were much more conveniently located. That advice sure sounded practical right? I mean it would be easier to worship closer to home. But the people that took the easy way out and followed that practical “advice” were led into direct disobedience and away from God. 

And you know, as this story shows, the easy way is not always the best way - and no matter how much you and I might want bad advice to be good advice, it never is. So weigh all advice against the Word my friend. Because that’s the only way to see if the guidance you are receiving is truly good. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that there will always be people, even Christians, that will give us advice that will sound good but will lead us astray. Help us to weigh every recommendation we are given against the Truth before following it remembering that the only good advice is the advice that keeps us in obedience to You. 

Happy Running!!!

Let go - Elevation Worship

Live up to your potential

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20 NLT

According to Canadian Running Magazine, many of us aren’t racing to our potential. And two of the reasons, they say, you and I might not be achieving that personal best we've (literally) been chasing? Under-fueling and not keeping a steady pace. Thankfully though, there is an easy solution to those problems. By simply adding a smoothie to our diet each day, we can fix that caloric imbalance that will give us more energy and by monitoring our splits more often and making immediate adjustments, we can gain that steady pace needed to race more efficiently. 

And you know, if potential can be defined as what we can do but have not yet accomplished, most of us aren’t serving God to our fullest potential either. Why? Because most of us don't know or realize what our full potential is! You see, alone you and I can do nothing. But the Bible tells us that "through his mighty power at work within us," we can "accomplish infinitely more that we might ask or think." That means that, through His strength, you and I can achieve anything and everything He calls us to do. 

So let's quit thinking too small, praying too small, believing too small, and living too small. This kind of behavior only limits what God can do in us and through us. Instead, let's live and serve to our full potential by declaring, "with God, 'who is able' to do all things, all things are possible." And that, my friend, is how you and I will life life to the full potential God intended us to live it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that You will strengthen and equip us to accomplish everything You have called us to do. Lord, help us to dream big dreams and attempt even bigger things for Your glory knowing that we have unlimited strength when You are working through us. Oh Lord, may You be glorified in our pursuit to live to the full potential You have created us for. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Made for this - Carrollton

You can never talk about Him too much

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." Romans 1:16 BSB

It wasn’t even five hours after finishing up a six-hour endurance run on Saturday, before I was back on social media promoting the next race on our county calendar, "Hey runner and walker friends!" I wrote. "Yes I know you just finished a race and running should not even be mentioned for at least 24 hours but guess what??" And then, after giving them the event details and the reasons why they should participate, I jokingly added #youcanneverrunenoughortalkaboutittoomuch. 

And you know, while most people have no problem talking about their hobbies or other things they love, the majority of self-professed Christians hesitate to talk about Jesus. In fact, according to one study, only seven percent of believers talk about God openly. But, as Paul knew, when God's people remain silent, seemingly ashamed to talk about Him in a world that is increasingly hostile to any mention of the Name, the lost never come to know that the "gospel... is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." And that's just not acceptable my friend. 

So if you truly believe that the message of the Good News has life-changing power, don't be reluctant or unwilling to talk about it. After all, we can't expect others to seek the One who can change lives if we aren't willing to tell them how He has changed ours. So go ahead... speak up. You can never talk about Jesus too much. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that Christians are not to be silent about their faith. Lord, I pray that You would give each of your believers a renewed love for You and an increased boldness to share this love, a love that has no comparison, with everyone You put in their path. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Talk about it - Nicole C. Mullen

Seek the Shade immediately

"You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall" Isaiah 25:4 NIV

As the heat index climbed into the triple digits during the six-hour endurance run I had the pleasure of participating in Saturday, the spectators waiting at the start/finish line of the five-mile looped course where the aid station was located were looking to find shelter from the hot sun any way they could. Some people moved their lawn chairs into the shade while others sought refuge under canopies they had brought. Thankfully us runners didn't need to spend much time there though. We only needed to exit the tree-lined course that provided natural "shade from the heat" long enough to hydrate and refuel before happily heading back out to enjoy the cooler temps on the trail. 

And you know, while the intense heat certainly made it hard on those watching, the runners really didn't notice it very much. You see, because we were completely surrounded by mature trees whose branches spread over us like a canopy and had cool air coming off the Big Piney River that was so close we could hear the rapids, we were quite comfortable. And this is exactly the way it feels when you and I seek refuge in the Lord from the distresses of the world my friend. You see, like Isaiah, you and I will experience intense anxiety, sorrow, and pain in this life. It's just a fact. But when we do, we can run into a place of "refuge," a place where there is "shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat."

So if you're in a state of "distress" today, won't you take shelter in the only place you will ever find it? Won't you run into the arms of Jesus? I can personally promise that when you do, you will find the comfort and relief your spirit so desperately longs for.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You are the Shade we are seeking and the only One who can provide shelter in the midst of any and every storm we will face in this life. Teach us to instinctively run into Your arms the moment the troubles of this life serve to turn up the heat Lord. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Shelter - Carrolton

Choose your friends wisely

"Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God's holy people." Jude 1:3 NIV

After Saturday's Ultra Sweaty Santa Run where the heat index climbed into the triple digits, my friend, Joel, who completed 28 miles during the course of the six-hour race, posted a picture of himself smiling with two of his running buddies during the event with the comment, "Three weeks ago I ran a marathon and said I'm not running another until it cools down... then this happened!" Oh how I laughed at that! Here Joel was... doing what he vowed he wouldn’t do, and was seemingly having a good time doing it. Isn't it just amazing what our friends can persuade us to do? 

And you know, all joking aside, the people we hang around with can heavily influence the decisions we make - which is why, especially when it comes to our faith, you and I should choose friends that compel us to follow Jesus more closely rather than lead us away. Consider Jude, who would have made a great running buddy. He, being so "compelled" to encourage his friends to "contend for the faith,” personally wrote them a letter urging and persuading them to remain faithful, unified and ever mindful of the truth of the Gospel, and to do the same for others. 

So if you have a friend like that, count your blessings. And if you don't, I urge you seek one out. Because, truly, staying strong in the faith is so much easier when you and I have people in our lives that persuade us to do so. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that the people we associate with the most can have a huge impact on whether we stay faithful to You and rooted in the Truth or stray away. Help us to be that type of encouraging friend to others and to seek out those people that will do the same for us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Faithful - Ryan Stevensen and Amy Grant

Give it your full effort

By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return." Genesis 3:19 NIV

WAFB in Baton Rouge, La recently published the headline, "Louisiana runners return home after competing in world’s toughest ultra-marathon" followed by the story of three runners who made it home after participating in Badwater, the world's toughest foot race. Jean Aponte, one of the runners who completed the 135 mile race that's held in extreme heat through Death Valley and has an elevation of 8,360 feet, said, "I feel accomplished...it takes a great deal of work to even meet the requirements to apply for the race, so it’s a good feeling to see years of training and effort come to fruition." 

And you know, after months of intense training that led to running in conditions that brutal for more than 30 hours, can you just imagine the relief these runners must have felt when it was finally over and they arrived home? I imagine it's the same feeling you and I will have when our bodies "return to the ground" and we return home to our final resting place. But you know what? Until that day comes, you and I should be working by the sweat of our brows to win others to Christ in the same all-out, nothing-is-going-to-stop-me-in-my-pursuit-of-the-finish-line-fashion that it took for these runners to finish Badwater. 

So knowing full well that will all die and "return to the ground," let us vow to live each day as if it were our last - with an unshakable, resolute, undeterred, steadfast and unwavering boldness and determination to share Christ with the world no matter what obstacles we might face. Because as Toby Mac sings, "there ain't no practice runs in life."

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we only have this one life and there are no do-overs. Knowing our days are short and we will soon return home to rest, help us to work tirelessly here to ensure that others will also be able to call heaven their eternal resting place. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

This is not a test - Toby Mac

Just tell what He has done

"In that day you will say: "Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted." Isaiah 12:4 NIV

As I was getting coffee after Church Sunday, I ran into the older husband of a lady I used to work with years ago. "Well hi there!" I said smiling. "I haven’t seen you in forever. How have you been?" And after quickly catching up, he asked the question I inevitably get from anyone who hasn't seen me in a while, "Are you still running?" Now smiling even bigger, I responded "Of course! More than ever actually." "I don't know how you do it," he replied (realizing we have all advanced in years). Here's my opportunity I immediately thought and jumped at the chance to speak. "It's quite simple really, it's all God. He continues to give me the ability,” and then added, “so you know I will be doing it as long as He will allow it.” Taking a moment to comprehend and digest that bold declaration of praise right inside a Casey's store, he grinned and said, "Well, isn't that something?" 

And you know, it truly is something to consider that the very same God who made the stars, the moon, the sun and everything else in creation is the very same God who gave me the ability and passion to run and gives each one of us unique strengths, passions and abilities as well. And while each one of us has different talents and skills, we all have the same reason to "give praise to the Lord" and "proclaim his name." In fact, the Great Commission commands us to make Him known among the nations - and that starts where we are by simply telling others about "what he has done" for us... every chance we get. 

So take time to consider "what he has done" for you today my friend and then be bold in seeking opportunities to share it with others. After all, your testimony could be the very thing that leads someone to Christ. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that our job as Christians is to heed the command to go and make disciples of all nations starting right where we are now. Give us a boldness to share the things You have done for us with others that they might seek You too. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Tell the world - Lecrae

No compromise

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15 NIV

As the U.S. Women's Soccer Team continues to celebrate their recent Women's World Cup win, some people are wondering whether the religious beliefs of Jaelene Hinkle, 26, a top-tier American player and an outspoken Christian, might be the reason she was left off the team. You see, not only did Hinkle, at one point, publicly object to same-sex marriage by tweeting, "This world may change, but Christ and His Word NEVER will," she most recently refused to wear a special jersey representing Gay Pride Month. But you know what? She doesn't care that she was left off the team. She has vowed to serve the Lord no matter the cost saying, "If I never get another national team call-up again then that's just part of God's plan, and that's ok." 

And you know, in a world where Christians are being called to compromise their values more than ever before in the history of the United States, it's never been more important for all believers to make a stand and publicly declare, "as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." That means vowing to serve Him with our utmost allegiance no matter what it costs. And you can bet that that it will cost us even more - jobs, opportunities, friendships, and maybe even family members - as more and more people turn from the One True God to worship the false gods of money, success, fame and flesh and then work to exclude, reject and persecute everyone who does not. 

So consider the costs before following Jesus Christ my friend and then choose for yourself this day whom you will serve. As for me, I have made the decision to serve the Lord no matter what it costs and I hope you will too.  

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that following You faithfully is going to be met with increasing intolerance every single day and that we need to be strong in our commitment to never compromise our beliefs to gain the things of this world. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

No Compromise - Peter Furler

Focus on bringing joy

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4 BSB

Is it inconsiderate to run on the road? This was the topic of an article recently posted by Canadian Running. Now before you say the road is a place for cars only, consider that many runners, myself included, are rarely able to run in places with sidewalks or paths and so have no choice but to run on the shoulder of the road (facing traffic of course). Not only that, us runners know that asphalt is softer than concrete and so provides less risk of injury, sidewalks are sometimes uneven or packed with people making it hard to keep a steady pace or avoid running into someone, and roads are always better plowed in the winter. The point is this... when answering a question or making a decision of any kind, we should carefully consider the impact it might have on other people first. 

And you know, when it comes to being considerate or showing kindly regard for someone else's feelings or welfare, the Bible clearly says you and I should "look not only to" our own interests but "also to the interests of others." And just how do we do that? John Piper sums it up this way, "Make the good of others the focus of your interest and strategy and work. Find your joy in making others joyful. If you are watching television and your child says, “Would you play with me?” don’t just think about how tired you are. By an act of gospel-fashioned, Christ-exalting will, put the child’s interests before the pleasures of your relaxation."

Don't you just love that? So let us show the love of Christ to today by focusing on bringing joy into the lives of others. It will not only have their hearts overflowing with delight but will have ours overflowing as well. And doesn't the thought of that just make you smile?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we should always consider the interests of others above our own just as You considered ours above Yours when you left your throne to be born as a man and then die a sinner's death on a cross for our salvation. Help us to look to that example and to love others in the same sacrificial way. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Joy - Johnny Diaz

Sing of His goodness wherever you are

"A maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations." Psalm 89:1 NIV

Since I rarely watch TV, I totally missed last month's exciting live stream action of the Flying Wallendas crossing Times Square in New York City on a high wire between skyscrapers, 25 stories above the pavement - only hearing about it through my favorite radio station as I listened on my morning run before church Sunday. Wow! And I thought running ultra-marathons was a crazy thing to do! But as I later followed up on the story, I realized that, although Lijana Wallenda and I have two very different passions people might call crazy, we both love and serve the same mighty God and share a passion for telling the world about it. In fact, Lijana could be heard singing praise hymns as she carefully made her way across the chasm as millions of viewers watched. Oh, can you just imagine the many people that might have chosen to follow the Lord because of it? 

And you know, as believers, we should all share the same passion to tell others about the goodness of God. In fact, you and I should love Him so much that we can't help but sing His praises wherever we are as we publicly proclaim, "I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations." And you can be sure that when you are totally unashamed of the Gospel, God will give you unique opportunities to sing of His love to the lost, just as He did for Lijana and does for me. 

So choose today what you will do my friend. Will you be bold in proclaiming the goodness of God so that others might be drawn to experience it as well? Or will you save those praises for Sunday morning church? Your answer to that question could very well determine someone's eternal resting place so choose carefully. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the examples of bold Christians that You give us to follow. Help us to love You so much that we would be unable to keep from telling someone. Help us to sing your praises each time the Spirit prompts us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Goodness of God - Bethel Music

The miraculous sign proved it

"Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. That was the reason so many went out to meet him—because they had heard about this miraculous sign." John 12:17,18 NLT

I couldn't believe my eyes when the door opened. My dear friend and pastor, John, just three weeks after having a stroke, was standing there (in his running shoes!) after having walked unassisted across his living room to personally welcome my daughter and me into his home for a visit with him and his sweet wife, Carole, Saturday. And while this alone was so incredible that I nearly cried, what he shared later nearly brought me to my knees. He was in no pain! And why is that so significant? Because John has been in constant pain since developing lupus a short time ago. But the stroke changed all that he said. "You know, I feel better now than I have in a long time." And added that the doctors expect him to make a full recovery. Now how's that for a "miraculous sign" to show the lost that God is real? 

And you know, there are many things that will happen to us in this life that might cause us to say, "Why Lord?" Mary and Martha might well have asked that question when their brother, Lazarus, died. After all, the sisters had called for Jesus to come and yet Jesus waited. Why? Because God always works things out for our good and for His glory. You see, it’s only because Jesus waited until Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days before coming and calling him to come out, that the people could be witnesses to a miracle. A miracle, the Bible tells us, that spurred the people watching to tell others about this “miraculous sign” that was the reason so many went out to meet Him.

So if you're in a situation that causes you to look up and say "Why Lord?" today too, remember this my friend...  you are not alone and you are not abandoned. God knows your need and exactly the time to provide for it - which is when it will do you the most good and bring Him the most glory. Trust Him. He was, is, and always will be the God of miracles. 

Heavenly Father, thank You the reminder that we will not always understand the reasons we are allowed to suffer but are to trust that Your plan is perfect. When we are tempted to say, "Why Lord?" help us to instead say, "Yes Lord. Your will be done. Use me as an instrument to win souls!" It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

God of Miracles - Chris McClarney

The music of His creation

"The birds nest beside the streams and sing among the branches of the trees." Psalm 104:12 NLT

Canadian Running recently published an article citing many reasons, they say, you and I should run without music. The top reason? To let our minds wander, something that may not always happen when we are focused on our favorite running playlist or an interesting podcast. In fact, a 2012 study done by Psychological Science suggested that people who allow their brains to wander, or their thoughts to stray, can get a creativity bump. But you know what I've noticed is the greatest reward for ditching those earbuds? At least every now and then? A renewed sense of God's presence and sheer majesty. 

You see, when you and I run without any outside stimuli, especially in the newness of the morning or at dusk, we can concentrate on God's creations in their fullness - as they are waking up or preparing to rest. And the sense of awe we can experience from just listening to "the birds" who "nest beside the streams and sing among the branches of the trees" is just one of the many ways God reveals Himself to us through nature and shows His sovereignty and majesty. And if you and I let our minds wander even further throughout the day, we can be sure that He will reveal himself in many other ways as well. 

So make sure to take a break from the noise of the world my friend. Trade the music on your phone for nature's symphony of praise and you'll soon be joining the birds in a song of praise to the Creator of all good things. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for making such beautiful things and choosing to reveal Yourself in so many different ways through those creations. Help us to take the time each and every day to truly listen to what You are saying to us Lord.  It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

So will I - Hillsong Worship

Listen for those promptings

"But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!'' Acts 3:6 NLT

"Mom, I really want a Sprite," my daughter said as we left the aqua running class I am blessed to teach on Thursday nights. Knowing my sweet girl only drinks soda when she doesn't feel well, I said, "Why? Are you sick?" To which she replied, "No. I just have a weird craving for one all of a sudden." And as I pulled into the gas station to get that soda, I immediately knew why God wanted me at that very store at that very moment. Stepping out of the car, I saw a man struggling to walk and obviously in a lot of pain." A woman standing nearby who appeared to be his wife, understandably feeling the urge to explain his slow and unsteady gait, looked at me and said, "He literally just had back surgery. We are on our way home from Columbia and we had to stop because the pain was just too intense." And after asking his name, I said, "Travis can I pray for you?" To which he answered, "Please do." 

And you know, I had nothing to offer this man. I didn't have any advice to ease his pain. I didn't have any motivating words that would even come close to providing relief and I didn't have a miracle cure. But what I did have, I freely offered. I had prayer, which meant I had the power to take his need and lay it at the foot of the Cross. And you know, I have no doubt that God arranged this meeting because when His children need Him He arranges "divine appointments" such as this one - just as He did for the lame beggar when He arranged for Peter to be in the right place at the right time to proclaim, "I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have..." 

So if you find yourself turning off the beaten path today, going left when you should be going right, or pulling into a store for something you dislike but now suddenly crave, look around my friend. God may very well be arranging a divine appointment for someone in need that you will be blessed to be a part of. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for this much-needed reminder that You care so much about the struggles of Your children that You would personally intercede on their behalf to arrange for them to be prayed over. Lord, help us to be obedient to the promptings of the Holy Spirit that we might not miss even one opportunity to be a part of a divine appointment. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Take My Life (And Let It Be) - Chris Tomlin

Look only to God for acceptance

"The Scriptures say, "God accepted Abraham because Abraham had faith in him.'" Romans 4:3 CEV

In a sport that values integrity, I was saddened to hear that Frank Meza, a 70-year-old retired physician who set an unofficial world record at the L.A. Marathon in March had been disqualified from the race for cheating last week. It was then reported that Frank had some other controversial finishes and had even been disqualified twice and then permanently banned from the California International Marathon as well. Several days after these stories went viral, I was even more saddened to hear that his body was found in the Los Angeles River on July 4 and his death subsequently ruled a suicide. It seems Frank, a man who likely used running as a way to gain the approval and acceptance of others and to define his self-worth, couldn’t see any reason to continue living with that identity stripped away. 

And you know, as sad as this story is, this type of despair that many people are feeling because they don't feel accepted is real and becoming more and more common. Think about it. We live in a world where people are increasingly determining their worthiness on a day-to-day basis based on how many likes or followers they have on social media or by the things they are able to accomplish. But guess what? The world's approval is fleeting and ever-changing, and if you count on it to define who you are, you too will end up despairing of life.  

But there is good news. The Bible tells us that, "God accepted Abraham because Abraham had faith in him." That means if you have placed your faith in Him, you have been accepted as well my friend. And not only accepted but made worthy! And guess what else? God's acceptance will never change. He called us sons and daughters when we chose to believe in Him and that will be our identity from now into eternity. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that when we look to the world for approval we will always be disappointed. Help us to remember that, as believers, we are righteous and made more than worthy in Your eyes. Help us Lord to see ourselves the way You see us and to truly believe that we are who You say we are. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

You know know me better - Stars Go Dim

Just tell them what He has done for you

"They asked, “Who healed you? What happened? ”He told them, “The man they call Jesus made mud and spread it over my eyes and told me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash yourself.’ So I went and washed, and now I can see!'" John 9:10,11 NLT

It was hard for me to believe that I had been out of high school for so long, but there I was Saturday at my 30th high school reunion talking to an old friend and her husband when the conversation turned to his fairly recent diagnosis of Sarcoidosis. "I am so sorry," I said to him. "Aren't you glad that our suffering is only temporary and that we get new bodies in heaven?” "Oh yes," he said and then added, "It sure is easy to talk about this stuff with fellow believers isn't it?" And after agreeing, my friend looked intently at me and said, "You know, we should talk to more people about Jesus and tell them this. We really should." 

And you know what?  I couldn't agree more. As a matter of fact, talking to people about Jesus is our main job as Christians. After all, how will the lost and hurting ever come to know Christ if they never hear about Him? And if the thought of sharing the Gospel with complete strangers terrifies you, consider how easy it really is. You simply, like the blind beggar that was healed, need to tell them what Jesus has done for you. It's as easy as that. In two short sentences, the blind man told the people around him everything they needed to know to seek out the Savior. He said, "The man they call Jesus made mud and spread it over my eyes and told me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash yourself.’ So I went and washed, and now I can see!" In other words, the blind man said,”This Jesus changed my life and He can change yours’ too.”

So I ask you my friend, what has Jesus done for you? And what's keeping you from telling someone else? I don't know about you but I can't keep quiet about the many things Jesus has done for me... and neither should you. His many blessings are' just too good not to share!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the many blessings You personally bestow upon those that choose to follow You. Not only do You take away the penalty for our sins but offer eternal life to us instead. Oh Lord, help us to be bold in sharing our personal testimonies so that others might come to know You because of it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

How could I be silent? - Caitie Hurst

What really matters

"So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever." 2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT

Last January, Lauren Barnathan, 31, said she didn't realize what was happening to her when she tried to roll over in bed but couldn't because her left side was totally limp. Since she had always been fit and active, Lauren didn't suspect a stroke but her then-fiance, Adam, an emergency room doctor, did and got her to the hospital for immediate treatment. A year later, Lauren made a 99 percent recovery and, accompanied by her now-husband, crossed the finish line of her first half marathon. The two say they look at life differently now with Adam summing it up this way, "When you have a scare like that... it put things into perspective.”

And while a near-death experience could certainly cause a person to look at life differently, putting things into perspective, or determining what truly matters, is something that shouldn’t be put off by any of us - especially since you and I aren't guaranteed tomorrow. So what truly matters then? C.T. Studd summed it up this way, "Only one life,’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last." Paul certainly understood the uncertainty of life which is why he told us to fix our gaze on "things that cannot be seen." You see, so many of the things "we see now" and work for like nicer cars, bigger homes or name-brand clothing will "soon be gone." And only those things we do for the Kingdom, like witnessing to the lost or helping people in their time of need, “will last forever.”

So that's it my friend. Being the light of Jesus in a dark world is what truly matters. With that in mind, may we choose to live for Him each and every day and allow His light to shine through us that the lost may come to know Him before it's too late. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that life is short at best and that we should make the most of every second we are given. Help us to love others in the same way that You love us Lord and to have an unquenchable passion to serve them in the same way You came to serve us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

MercyMe - Blink of an eye

We all make mistakes

"'No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you,"Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin.'" John 8:11 NIV

Canadian Running recently reported that Hagos Gebrhiwet, a former world champion, was proof that even the “best” runners make crucial mistakes. You see, on Friday evening at the Lausanne Diamond League 5000m race, Gebrhiwet crossed the finish line and, believing he had won, slowed down and raised his arms in victory. Unfortunately for him though, he had miscounted his laps and was one lap short of finishing and by the time he got back up to speed it was too late. Hagos traded the win for a 10th place finish. I bet he won't make that mistake again. But then again... 

And you know, we all make mistakes and fall into sin from time to time. There's just no getting around it. In fact, even the seemingly "best" Christians aren't immune to failure or repeating the same mistakes over and over. Thankfully though, Jesus didn't condemn us to the penalty of death those sins deserved but offered us forgiveness for them instead. Forgiveness that comes from true repentance, or sincere remorse and regret that's so great it motivates us to leave our "life of sin" once and for all.  

So if you've made a few mistakes, don't sweat it my friend. Ask for forgiveness, sincerely repent, and then jump back in the race. You and I may not come in first but we will definitely make it across the finish line. And finishing is what matters. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we will all make mistakes. Help us to easily and immediately identify those mistakes we make that repeatedly lead to sin Lord and then give us the strength to walk away from them. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Choices

Tell your troubles to Him

"With my voice I cry out to the Lord; with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord. I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him." Psalm 141:1,2 ESV

Several times a week one of my closest friends calls me while I'm on my morning run and she's on her early-morning commute to work. Not only is this a great way for us to pass the time but a great way to stay connected since we live several hours apart. And inevitably our conversation recently turned to the weather and the rising heat and humidity. "Is it hot there today?" Robin asked. "Well, it's 7:00 a.m. and I'm only halfway through my run and already drenched with sweat. But it is the Midwest and it is summer so I can't complain," I told her. "Well I could," I then added laughing, "but it wouldn't do any good." Joining in on the laughter, Robin replied, "You're sure right about that."  

And you know, complaining about things we are powerless to change really doesn't do any good does it? In fact, when we grumble, something we are warned not to do, we imply that God is not sufficiently good, faithful, wise or powerful enough to intercede on our behalf. And that's simply not true! The psalmist understood that and so, rather than grumble to himself or other people about his problems, prayed and laid out his complaint before God saying, "With my voice I cry out to the Lord... I tell my trouble before him." There was no grumbling there. The psalmist was clearly asking the Lord to help him with his troubles - and then trusting Him to do so. 

So avoid the urge to complain my friend, especially over things you can't control. Doing so not only steals your joy but robs the joy of those around you. Take your troubles and complaints to the Lord instead. After all, you can be sure He already knows your need and has the power to change any circumstance. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You are all-knowing, all-powerful, and ever-faithful. You know what we need before we even ask and have the solution to every problem that we could ever encounter in this world. Teach us to bring our troubles to the foot of the Cross that we might give them to the only One who can help. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

I'm gonna let it go

Choose contentment

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11 NIV

When the race organizers of the Hardrock Hundred made the difficult decision to cancel this year's event because of the record snowfall in the San Juan Mountain Ridge in Colorado, you can bet there were a lot of runners experiencing extreme discontent, or intense feelings of dissatisfaction, with the change of circumstances. After all, by this point the athletes set to participate had already logged hundreds of training miles, made their travel arrangements and had mentally prepared and stoked themselves to tackle this arduous course that, because of its' high elevation, long steep climbs and severe weather potential, allows only the most qualified and elite ultra-runners to enter. 

And you know, as this story shows, no matter how well you and I make our plans, things totally out of our control can abruptly change them. And when that happens, and you can be sure it will eventually, you and I have two choices...  we can choose to be content or we can choose to be discontent. Paul certainly understood this after having met Jesus on the road to Damascus, a meeting that totally changed the plans he had for himself to hunt down and persecute all followers of Jesus Christ. You see, converting to Christianity was the last thing Paul ever wanted to do and ever thought he would do. And this epic change of plans brought bigger trials and troubles than Paul could have ever imagined. But with each new set of circumstances and change of plans thereafter, Paul could declare, "I have learned to be content with whatever the circumstances." Why? Because Paul, who had come to love the Lord with all his heart, knew that God was with him and that every change of plans, just like the one on the road to Damascus, was divinely orchestrated to put him in the exact place God would use him. 

So if you're in a state of discontentment over a change of plans today my friend, be content and rejoice instead! God could very well be divinely orchestrating your next mission too. Now doesn’t that make you smile? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that things will not always go as we planned. Help us to always stay joyful in those times knowing You are fully aware of everything that happens in our lives and that You can and will use every situation we are placed in to bring you glory. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Write Your story

The flags of freedom

"So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free." John 8:36 NLT

On this Independence Day, you might notice the increased amount of American flags proudly on display as you head out for your morning run. And if you've chosen to participate in a 4th of July race, you might even see a few runners proudly carrying our nation’s banner as they make their way to the finish line. With that in mind, you could safely say then that most Americans are still pretty proud of that 'ole flag.’ And with good reason! You see, 'Old Glory' represents the day our country's founders declared independence and freedom from Great Britain. Did you realize, though, that each part of our flag stands for something? The 50 stars stand for our 50 states and the 13 stripes for the 13 British colonies that declared their independence on July 4, 1776. The colors also stand for something. The white vertical stripes signify purity and innocence, the red hardiness and valour and the blue vigilance, perseverance and justice.

Did you know that there is another flag that should be put proudly on display too? It's the Christian flag which represents the day you and I, because of Jesus' sacrifice, became “truly free" from the power of sin and darkness. The shade of red on the cross symbolizes the blood that Jesus shed on Calvary. The blue canton represents the waters of baptism as well as the faithfulness of Jesus, and the white represents Jesus' purity. Regardless of their differences in appearance though, both of these flags represent and stand for the principle by which this great country was formed... “One nation under God.”

John Adams, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, also believed the United States was to always be “One nation under God.” And in a letter to his wife regarding this day wrote, "It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” And I couldn’t agree more my friend. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for setting us free from the yoke of slavery and the bonds of tyranny. My solemn prayer is that this country would raise the white flag of surrender and celebrate our freedom every day with solemn acts of devotion to you, the God Almighty. May we once again be known as"one nation, under God" as we wave our white flags in total surrender. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

White Flag - Chris Tomlin