Never doubt what He is capable of

"Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen." Matthew 21:21 NLT

In 2013, Zach Bitter broke the American Record for the 100 mile race and quickly set his next goal on breaking the World Record, something that would require him to shave nearly 20 minutes off his 11:47:04 finishing time. "Almost six years later and many lessons along the way (failures) I found the day I was looking for," he said. "I went home to Wisconsin where I grew up... to participate in an event called Six Days in the Dome. Eleven hours 19 minutes 18 seconds later I crossed 100 miles and brought the WR to the US!" Zach then went on to offer some encouragement to those runners ready to give up on their dreams, "Stay patient, stay focused, and most of all NEVER doubt what you are capable of doing when you set your mind to it."

And you know, when it comes to doubting our abilities, the Bible is clear that when we align our will with His, there is nothing impossible for us - and we can confidently say to those things that stand in our way of achieving the calling God has given us, “be lifted up and thrown into he sea,’ and it will happen.’” You see, it’s only when you and I “have faith and don’t doubt” that God can and will work all things out for our good and for His glory, turning those mountains in our path into stepping stones.

So if you’re faced with impossible odds today and feel like giving up, don’t do it my friend. Stay patient, stay focused on Him and never doubt what you are capable of doing through the power of Jesus Christ working through you.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that great things don’t always happen overnight and it sometimes takes years of labor, failure, pain and prayer before we see our mountains move. Help us to be patient during these times with complete faith that You are the God of the impossible. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!!

The God of the Impossible - Lincoln Brewster

Two are better than one

"Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed." Ecclesiastes 4:9 NLT

Longboard marathoner Chris Koch, 40, who was born without full arms or legs, first met Milania Cadrain, a six-year old double amputee, three years ago at the War Amps Child Amputee Program, a club that organizes sports and activities for amputee children. “We were fast friends, since we both skateboarded to get around,” he said. They became such great friends, in fact, that Koch inspired Milania to train for her first 5k and then stayed by her side for the last 200 yards of the race which she completed on August 18th in a a remarkable time of 40:53. Now how's that for the power of friendship? 

And you know, when it comes to achieving any goal, King Solomon, the wisest man to have ever lived said, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed." And you know what? Solomon was so right. Having a friend who is willing to help and encourage us is many times the very thing you and I need to cross the finish line - especially when that friend has had our same struggles and can understand our feelings and fears. 

So if you think you can't inspire someone to do great things because of your age, your handicap, your past, or your perceived lack of having anything to offer someone, think again my friend. God has gifted each and every one of us in special ways to help others. And you can be sure that if you allow the Lord to use you, He will. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for people like Chris Koch who refuse to let life's circumstances keep them from inspiring others to be the best they can be despite their handicaps. Help us to be friends like this Lord. Help us to be people that never back down despite the hurdles in our path that others might be drawn to us and be inspired to press on in the same way Lord. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Cheer You On - Jordan Feliz

Thankful for the scars

"No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us." Romans 8:37 NLT

"Oh my goodness! The backs of your ankles are blood red," my friend, Rachel, gasped as we slowed down to admire the beauty of a stream along the path we were running on Saturday morning. "I know," I said looking down to where her gaze was now fixed. "They're permanently calloused and scarred from years of running." I then invited her to check out my other "battle wounds," scars on the inside of my ankles from being nicked by my running shoes, scars on my knees from several crashes I had while trying to run at break-neck speed and the newest scar forming on the inside of my right arm from the thousands of miles God has been gracious to allow me to run with my arms swishing back and forth. I guess you could say that I'm not ashamed to show my scars. 

And you know what? None of us should be ashamed or afraid to show our scars or physical and emotional wounds caused by pain, hurt, addiction, or abuse but are now healed, because they are the very things that now serve as testimony of our victories over these troubles - victories that were made possible "through Christ, who loved us." You see, our personal stories of redemption and healing through Jesus, stories where we are real and raw - describing who we once were and how God changed us - are the very stories that, when told, can and will inspire hope in others who might be facing the same thing or have loved ones that are.

So I don't know about you my friend but I’ve done a lot of things I'm not proud of and suffered a lot of pain as the result of my rebellion and sinful choices. But guess what? All those things brought me back to Christ with a broken and grateful heart and gave me a story of God's love and redemption to share with others. What’s your story?

Heavenly Father, thank You for all my scars and for the lessons they have taught me. Thank you for redeeming me from the ashes and trading my story of hopelessness for one of hope. Lord, help us all to be bold in sharing how we have overcome the adversities, trials, and troubles in our lives through You that we might help others do the same. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Scars - I Am They

Offer the recommendation

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'" Acts 1:8 NLT

After spending more time than I should have (because the morning was so beautiful) stretching in the park after a long run Saturday. I knew I would have to get in and out of Wal-Mart quickly if I was going to be on time for an afternoon movie date with my family. But when I got to the tuna aisle and saw an older woman seemingly frustrated at having so many options to choose from, I felt the urge to stop and help. "This tuna is the best I've ever eaten," I said as I showed her the can I was adding to my cart and the shelf where more could be found. "It's a little pricey but well worth it." And you know what? Based on my short and sweet recommendation, the lady smiled and thanked me as she grabbed two cans and then continued shopping. 

And you know, while most of us find it easy and worthwhile to take the time to recommend things to others we consider worth purchasing such as food items, clothing and running shoes, how many of us are taking the time to tell others about Jesus? Sharing the good things He has done for us and recommending they make the choice to follow Him as well? And if you’re saying to yourself, “Well it’s the Church's responsibility to spread the Good News,” consider the words of Jesus my friend. "And you (that literally means You!) will be my witnesses (that's a command), telling people about me everywhere (that literally means Everywhere!)..." 

So in a world that’s in desperate need of a Savior, let us make the decision to be bold witnesses by simply and unashamedly telling the lost about the reason we chose to follow Christ and why they follow Him too. After all, if we don't tell them, who will? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that telling others about You is not merely a suggestion but an order and a call to action. Lord, in a world that is growing increasingly more hostile at the mention of the name of Jesus, help us to be bold Christians willing to profess our faith in our homes, in our neighborhoods, on our jobs and everywhere You send us. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Can I get a witness- Phillips Craig and Dean

Give your all out effort

"'Bring together all the Jews in Susa and tell them to go without eating for my sake! Don't eat or drink for three days and nights. My servant girls and I will do the same. Then I will go in to see the king, even if it means I must die." Esther 4:16 CEV

In a recent article published by Runner's World Magazine, renowned running coach Hal Higdon said, "If you never run all-out, you’re missing something." He then went on to explain why. "Working at top speed," he said, "can help any runner shave a few seconds to a few minutes off race times. Plus, all-out running taxes your body in different ways than other types of running... that means you’ll be able to go faster throughout an entire race or workout, not just at the end." Wow! Sounds like going all-out in our running is worth the effort doesn't it? 

And do you know what else is worth our effort? Going all-out for the Lord. That means serving Him with our full allegiance, determination and enthusiasm - holding nothing back as we live each and every day with an undeterred, resolute, and single-minded focus to follow His calling. Esther was a woman who truly knew the meaning of what it meant to do this very thing. You see, Esther was willing to do whatever it took to follow God’s calling to save her fellow Jews from destruction at the hands of Haman, and she was ready, eager and prepared to fulfill that calling, even if it meant she might die. 

And this is the same attitude you and I must have if we are to live all-out as well my friend. And you and I will know it was worth the effort when we one day hear the words every faithful follower longs to hear... “Well done good and faithful servant.”  

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that serving You with all we have means being ready to give up all we have. Lord, instill in us a passion so great to do the specific things You have called each one of us to do that we would burn inside with an uncontrollable need to see those things come to pass. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Like Heaven on Earth - Stars Go Dim 

Wait on His perfect timing

“so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said.” Genesis 16:2 NIV

Runners World Magazine recently published an article that said by the time a person has Googled “running a marathon without training,” they have either ambitiously signed up for a race, then life or an injury got the best of them (in which case, they offered their deepest condolences), or they want to run a marathon but don’t actually want to train for one (in which case, they say please don’t). And you know what? As a running coach, I couldn’t agree more. Running any distance longer than a mile without training could have devastating consequences - like buying a person a ticket on the pain train where they might stay for days, weeks, months or even years. Simply said, running a marathon without training is a horrible idea that could have serious and lasting repercussions and no one should ever do it. 

And you know what else is a horrible idea that could also include serious and lasting repercussions? Not waiting on the Lord. Something Sarai and Abraham quickly realized after Sarai, impatient with God’s timing in providing the child He had promised to her husband, offered her maidservant to speed up the process. And the results were disastrous! Not only did the birth of Ishmael, a product of this forced union, cause strife within their marriage but within the nation of Israel... serious strife that is still continuing today. 

So as the story shows, it’s always a horrible idea for us to try and speed up God’s plan my friend. And so when we are tempted to do it, let us stop and seriously consider the ramifications of our actions first. And then, as hard as it may be, let us wait on His perfect timing . 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that when we fail to trust You and act on our own, the results are always disastrous.  Not only to ourselves but to those around us. Help us to be patient in all situations as we wait on Your perfect timing. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I will wait on You - Shane and Shane

Guard yourself against disqualification

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

British triathletes and teammates Jessica Learmonth and Georgia Taylor-Brown made headlines last week when they crossed the finish line of the 2019 World Triathlon Olympic Qualification Event in Tokyo holding hands. And while many people might have seen this gesture as heartwarming and an example of good sportsmanship, their actions got them disqualified... and rightly so. You see, according to International Triathlon rule 2.11.f, “Athletes who finish in a contrived tie situation, where no effort to separate their finish times has been made, will be disqualified." 

And you know, when it comes to getting disqualified for not following the "rules," Paul was clear that he would guard the privilege, or special right, he had to preach the Gospel with everything he had. This, he knew, meant disciplining himself to follow the rules listed in the Bible at all costs - which included bringing his flesh, or earthly wants and desires, under the submission of Jesus, careful not to say or do anything contrary to God's word. More simply said, Paul clearly understood that if he didn't practice what he preached, he could easily be declared ineligible and unfit to preach to others. 

And you know, the same is true for us my friend. When you and I don't do the things we advise others to do, or do the things we tell others not to do, we lose our credibility and our witness for Christ. And even if we aren't officially "disqualified" or ousted by a person or an organization, our testimony loses its' power. So let us make every effort to "discipline" ourselves in the same way Paul did that we might run the good race and teach others to do the same. After all, helping others make it to the finish line should be the biggest goal of every believer. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that preaching the Good News of the Gospel is a privilege that we should never take for granted. Help us to be vigilant in guarding our hearts and disciplining our flesh to follow you Lord that we would not break any "rule" that might disqualify us from sharing the Word with others. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Run - Lecrae

Keep that spiritual fervor

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11 NIV

For several years now, the running club I'm blessed to be a part of has hosted a free monthly 3.1 mile race (with the help of a generous sponsor). Appropriately named the Free Donut Run 5k because of the complimentary pastries served at the end, this race attracts runners and walkers of all ages including mothers pushing their young children in strollers. And if you think pushing one child in a stroller for 3.1 miles might be hard, can you imagine how hard it would be to push two? With that in mind, can you sense the frustration Kaila, a first-time participant at our monthly run, must have experienced Saturday when she encountered the one steep hill located midway through the course? Thankfully though, Lloyd, one of the other runners, saw her struggling and didn't hesitate to come to her aid. And guess what? Because of his fervor, or intense passion, to see a complete stranger cross the finish line, he continued pushing the stroller even after the hill ended to help this young mother complete her very first 5k race! 

And you know, when it comes to "spiritual fervor," or an intense passion to serve the Lord, the apostle Paul instructed the Christians in Rome to avoid letting anything drain their intense energy, zest, dedication, commitment, or enthusiasm. In fact, when the apostle said, "never be lacking in zeal," he was encouraging the believers to stay excited, willing, and motivated to serve the Lord to an infinite degree. In other words, Paul was saying, "Stay on fire, continue fanning the flames, and don’t let your flame even flicker!" 

So knowing that we are serving the Lord when we are serving others, may you I eagerly and enthusiastically look for ways to do so any way we can my friend. After all, when others see that we are on fire for the Lord and His people, they can't help but be drawn to the flame. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder of why it's so important that your children are on fire for you! Stir up a passion within us for your Word that we might read it every day and thus grow closer to you. Help us to not be satisfied with having a lukewarm relationship with You Lord but to be so on fire for You that others can see us burn! It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Burn Baby Burn - Casting Crowns

Surrender your ambitions

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." Philippians 2:3 BSB

Wanting to get in both a long training run for an upcoming ultra and an early afternoon shopping day with my daughter, I set out on Saturday morning a few weeks ago intent on getting done as quickly as I could. But you know, as determined as I was to log those miles in a timely manner that day, I knew the pursuit of my goal wasn’t nearly as important as stopping to talk to two women who were walking on the trail in the opposite direction I was running. Locking eyes, I smiled and slowed down to say hello when one of them said, "Excuse me. We’re new to the area. Do you know how far out this road goes?" And you know what? Not only did I tell them where and why they should turn around before the road ended but stood around chatting for several more minutes, telling the ladies about all there was to do in the community and then inviting them to join me at church the next day. 

And you know, when it comes to our ambitions or our desires to achieve a goal, the Bible is clear that you and I should not be selfish, or lack consideration for others, in the pursuit of our wants. In other words, while it's perfectly okay for us to set goals and have aspirations, our biggest ambition should always be to glorify the Father and lead others to the foot of the Cross. And this can only do done when you and I  "consider others more important" than our desires to achieve our own success. 

So may you and I seek to serve God and others above all else my friend. After all, it's only when we love those people God puts in our path unselfishly the way Jesus loved us that we will ever inspire them to accept Christ as their Savior. And leading others to Jesus should always be our most important goal. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us of what's truly important. Oh Lord, as my new friend Robin (one of the ladies I  met on the trail) took me up on the offer and sat next to me in church yesterday, I couldn't help but think how happy I was that You placed me in the right place at the right time, and showed me, once again, what's truly important is loving others and serving You. Help us to live with eternity in mind that we might always consider others more important than ourselves. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Surrender - Lincoln Brewster

Be an encourager

"Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance." Deuteronomy 31:7 NIV

As I was driving back to the office after working several hours at a senior health fair last week, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed - thinking about all the things I needed to do and wondering if the things I was already doing really mattered to people - when I experienced an overwhelming craving for coffee. As is the norm when no one is around, I spoke to God out loud, "Well that's weird Lord. Why am I craving coffee this late?" To which I felt the Spirits' gentle nudge urging me to pull into the next gas station I saw. "Just go inside and get it,” I felt the Spirit say. I soon found out why. As I went to pay for my caffeinated drink, the cashier who is a friend of mine said, "I'm so glad you came in Melissa. I wanted to tell you something that I know will encourage you. Last night, an older lady came in and said that the aqua running classes you've been teaching have literally changed her life. She is so happy that she can get out and exercise again with other people." 

And you know what? Her words did encourage me! In fact, they rejuvenated me so much that I didn't even want the coffee anymore. And you know, God truly is the Good Father who loves us so much so that He will use other believers to remind us of this love and say things to inspire and motivate us to continue pressing on - just as He did through Moses who "summoned Joshua and said to him... "Be strong and courageous..'" Wow! God really knows how to get His message across doesn't He? 

So the next time you feel the Spirits' nudge to go a certain way, don't ignore it my friend. God could very well be using this interruption in your plans to encourage you to "be strong and courageous" too. And if you feel the urge to say something that might uplift someone else, by all means say it! Encouraging our brothers and sisters is one of the greateat things you and I can do to keep them on fire for the Lord and determined to fulfill their callings.  

Heavenly Father, thank You for the timely reminder that, no matter how much a person might be smiling, they still might need the extra bit of encouragement that only You can provide. Help us to be obedient to the Spirit to go where You call us and to speak the words You have called us to speak. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Words I would say - Sidewalk Prophets

The good neighbor

"The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’" Luke 7:34 ESV

As much as I love animals and hated to yell, "Go home!" at the joyful puppy who bounded happily out of his yard to follow me yesterday morning, I knew I had to for his own sake." You see, I only had about a mile left on my run before the gravel road would meet the highway where I knew the dog would most likely get hit if he continued to follow. But as the overgrown puppy failed to listen to my instruction and joyfully ran by my side, my mind scrambled to find a way to keep the dog safe. That's when I had the divinely inspired idea to call my neighbor Joey. "Can you please help me? I'll be late for work if I have to take this dog home," I said before explaining how I had come to acquire the company of this cute canine. Laughing, he immediately came out of his home, lovingly scooped up the dog and went in to call the dog's owner. Thank God for good neighbors right?

And you know, while being a good neighbor certainly entails that you and I look out for those people who live near to us, being the good neighbor Christ calls us to be means so much more my friend. You see, those people who live near to us or we associate with most often are usually people just like us, people that are saved. But guess what? We have neighbors outside our "comfort zones" too - people who are totally different from us, people who are immoral, dirty, drug-addicted, and unsaved that need a "good neighbor" to share the Good News of the gospel with them.

So may you and I be willing to do whatever it takes to be the good neighbors Jesus has called us to be to those close to us and to those people most of us go to great lengths to avoid. And may you and I love others so much that we would feel an urgency to step outside of our holy huddles, to embrace being called friends of "tax collectors and sinners" so that the lost might be saved. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that a good neighbor, as defined by You and not the world, is a person who steps outside the boundaries of their neighborhoods to be Your hands and feet and to love the lost and help those in need. Help us to be those good neighbors Lord. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Hands and feet - Audio Adrenaline

Help to restore the hope

"Because I love Zion, I will not keep still. Because my heart yearns for Jerusalem, I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch." Isaiah 62:1 NLT

As I was running the streets of El Paso last week, I couldn't help but think that the timing of our family vacation was perfect. On a whim just two weeks before (previous to the mass shooting that killed 22 people), my husband said he felt the need to go see his parents (something we usually don't do this time of year) and off we went. And as I explored the city by foot as is my norm, God’s perfect timing allowed me to pray over this town that had so recently experienced such an egregious act of violence. I prayed for healing, I prayed for revival and I prayed for restored hope. And just as I was finishing up my run that first morning we were there, I spotted three men working on an old pickup near my in-laws home. "Hi there! Have you been running long?" one of the men asked. “Actually I have, for almost two hours," I responded as I smiled, adding "and I've been praying for you and the city of El Paso the whole time." At that proclamation, all the men stopped what they were doing and, misty-eyed, took turns shaking my hand as one of them said, "Thank you. You have no idea how much that means to us. You really don't." 

And you know, in times of crisis and deep sorrow, many people feel helpless and so simply do nothing. But guess what? We are never helpless because each one of us can and should pray for those in need of hope just as the prophet Isaiah did. In fact, Isaiah's great love for Zion, prompted him to proclaim, "I will not keep still... I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying for her..." You see, he wanted the people of Jerusalem to know there was hope and refused to give up in his pursuit to spread that message. 

So when you feel led to pray for someone my friend, pray for them unceasingly. And if you feel prompted to tell them that you are praying for them, don't hesitate to tell them so. After all, hearing that someone cares about them enough to lift them up to the Father in prayer could be the very thing that restores the hope they might have lost. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for arranging divine appointments such as this. Lord, help us to be so sensitive and obedient to the Holy Spirit's promptings that we would pray for all those needs and people You have placed on our hearts. And then may our words bring healing and hope to those who so desperately need it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!! 

Cry out to Jesus - Third Day

There will always be those who plot evil

"Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!" Proverbs 12:20 NLT

Did you know that, according to McAfee (one of the largest Antivirus Software providers), 22% of internet users reported having their online accounts hacked at least once, while 14% reported being hacked more than once. In fact, earlier this year Facebook itself got hacked, exposing the identity information of more than 50 million users. So when several of my Facebook (and real life) running friends reported their frustration after getting hacked over the weekend, I was angered but not shocked and couldn't help but comment, "These people really need to take up running so they wouldn't have the time and energy to do stuff like this." 

And you know, each one of us has the same amount of time every day--time we can spend doing good or doing bad, "plotting evil" or "planning peace." And even though the reward for "planning peace" is a heart filled with joy, many people will still choose to spend their days looking for ways to harm others. It's just a fact. But you know what's also a fact? As hard as it may be, especially when we are the ones who have been victimized or abused by deceit, you and I are called to pray for those people who have made it their mission to hurt us.

So if you've been hacked, harmed or mistreated in any way recently, won't you choose to pray for the person or persons responsible? Because, even though we might never know this side of Heaven whether our prayers changed their hearts, we can smile knowing we followed the example of Jesus who blessed those who cursed Him and prayed for those who mistreated Him. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that there will always be evil in this world and people who plot to harm us. Help us to see these people as You see them Lord so that our hearts would want to see them saved. May we be people who fervently pray for the salvation of the lost no matter how they might have wronged us. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

When we pray - Tauren Wells

Look for opportunities

“I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:12 ESV

With a goal of getting in a minimum of 20,000 steps every day, I am always looking for opportunities to move. And even though I was able to run seven miles by waking up super early before my family and I headed out for the 1100 mile non-stop journey home from visiting my in-laws Sunday, I still fell short of the goal. But you know what? By finding ways to get in a few steps here and there along the way, like taking a walk while my husband and daughter waited for their fast food and walking circles around the parking lot while my husband pumped gas, I got in my steps. It just goes to show that small steps can really add up. 

And you know, while fitting in a set amount of exercise is always a great goal, there’s a bigger goal you and I should have... growing closer to the Lord. And the best way we can do that is by reading the Word. And not just reading it but pondering and meditating - or carefully considering, contemplating, and ruminating - on it.. That means always looking for opportunities to study it. Short on time? Consider taking little steps like reading a single scripture or chapter and giving thought to its’ meaning here and there throughout your day, speaking it out loud when you can as you ask the Holy Spirit to reveal its’ meaning and how it applies to your life. I think you’ll find by doing this that small steps really do add up. 

So when life disrupts your routine or seemingly leaves you short on time, don’t give up in your pursuit to grow closer to the Lord my friend. Meditate on His precepts as often you can and you’ll soon gain that intimate relationship with Christ your soul has been craving.  

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that Scripture is not something to be merely read but carefully considered each and every day. Help us to look for opportunities throughout to not only peruse the pages of the Bible but to tenaciously search for the meaning of the words within them. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Ancient Words - Michael W. Smith

Let honesty be your guide

"Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people." Proverbs 11:3 NLT

In 1980, Rosie Ruiz seemingly came out of nowhere to win the women's division of the Boston Marathon in a then-record time of 2:31:56. "It's a colorful part of the Boston Marathon history, that's for sure," said Bill Rodgers, who won the men's race that year and was immediately suspicious of the woman sitting next to him on the awards podium. And his suspicions that Rosie was cheating proved to be correct. Not only was Ruiz found guilty of jumping in a mile from the finish at Boston, it was later discovered that she had even cheated in her qualifying race in New York. It's no wonder then that one of that headlines announcing her recent death read, "Rosie Ruiz, Boston Marathon course-cutter, dies at 66."

And you know, when it comes to cheating or being deceitful or deceptive, the Bible is clear that "dishonesty destroys treacherous people." You see, while good people are guided by their honesty, morals, and integrity which lead them to do what is right, “treacherous people” are guided by their pursuit to please the flesh, ignoring any standard of what’s right or wrong along the way, which leads them to do whatever they please. And while these “treacherous,” people may succeed for a time, you can be sure their unscrupulous, disloyal and unfaithful ways will always be discovered, not only destroying their reputation but any “good” legacy they might have worked to leave behind. 

So may you and I not only walk in honesty to be remembered well my friend, but that we would follow the example of Jesus who delighted in doing only those things that pleased the Father. And you can be sure that doing anything dishonest or immoral would not please Him. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that dishonestly not only ruins our reputations but divides and destroys our relationship with You. Help us to be people that seek to walk upright that we might honor You and live a life free from the consequences that dishonesty always brings. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I will follow - Chris Tomlin

Be a good steward

"The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours—you created it all." Psalm 89:11 NLT

In their attempt to be better stewards of the earth's resources, the Runners' Edge of Missoula, Montana decided to "go green" for their four-race trail series ending with the Snowbowl 15k held last Saturday. They said that by making an easy shift to reusable cups that were placed in a bucket when the runners were done, they eliminated the need for the nearly 20,000 disposable cups they used the previous year to hydrate the runners who participated in the 9.3-mile trail run. Race Director Anders Bookers said they've seen positive changes since deciding to be more environmentally friendly, "We’ve had some events that are 600-to-700 people and we walk away with half a bag of garbage. It feels good for us and we’ve heard a lot from our participants that it feels good for them too. So, I think it’s a little change in the norm, people are used to going to an aid station and getting cups but its been pretty seamless."

And you know, if a steward can be defined as a person who manages another's property or financial affairs, you and I would do well to remember that God created this world and everything in it belongs to Him. That means, as trustees of God’s property, we should also be environmentally friendly, thereby giving God respect, by not abusing or polluting its’ resources as well. You see, when you and I keep the land free from waste and avoid contaminating or tainting its’ soil, we show the Lord the respect He is due by respecting what He owns and has merely entrusted to us for a very short time. And we also allow the world to admire the pristine beauty of His hands. 

To sum it up, when asked if Christians should work to protect the environment, Billy Graham said this, “When we fail to see the world as God’s creation, we will end up abusing it. Selfishness and greed take over, and we end up not caring about the environment or the problems we’re creating for future generations. I hope you won’t lose your concern for these issues, for they are important. But don’t lose sight of something that is even more important: your relationship with God. Is Christ first in your life, and are you seeking to follow Him every day?”

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us of the importance of taking care of all those things you have entrusted to us - the earth and everything within it - and that our attitude toward those things reflects our love to towards You. Help us to see You first each and every day Lord that we would know Your perfect will and have the heart to follow it. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!!

Creation sings the Father’s song

We have no reason to fear

"The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything." Psalm 103:19 NLT 

I was both shocked and deeply saddened to the point of tears upon hearing the news of the shootings at a Wal-Mart in El Paso that took the lives of 20 people Saturday. Not only have I shopped there many times myself but have been visiting this city that I dearly love and where my husband's family lives for nearly 30 years. In fact, many of my fondest memories have been made in El Paso - spending time with generations of loved ones and running joyfully through the streets of this border town every time we visit, never once fearing for my safety. And you know what? This senseless and evil attack won't change that. I will not fear traveling there, shopping there, or running there because I know that God is still on the throne. 

And you know what else? In a time when it seems there is more to fear than ever before, where mass shootings and senseless acts of unprovoked violence are on the rise, you and I can find peace by reminding ourselves that God is still in control. In fact, the Bible tells us that He "has made the heavens his throne;" and "from there he rules over everything." And since we know that God, the One who sits on the throne is all-powerful and completely sovereign over "everything," you and I can continue to trust Him no matter how uncertain, disconcerting, or unsettling the future may appear. 

So if you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ, don't let fear and anxiety overwhelm you my friend. Continue to trust in the One whose promises are always true. But if you have not placed your trust in Jesus Christ, I urge you to do so today... because as this senseless tragedy clearly shows, life can end in an instant. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God who always keeps His promises. Lord, I pray that You would be with the people of El Paso and Dayton who are hurting from the recent tragedies. But mostly Lord, I pray that if someone does not know You as their personal Savior that the uncertainty of what happens after death would lead them to pray this today... Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

My heart will trust in You - Hillsong

Filled with His joy

"'Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy." John 17:13 NLT

Waking up before the alarm went off at 4:30 a.m. last Saturday, I smiled to myself as I leaned over and grabbed my Bible, intent on spending time with the Lord before heading out to meet up with the Bass Pro Marathon training group at 6:00. Why the smile so early on a weekend morning? Because I realized I should have been way too tired to do this after getting up early each day to train before putting in 40 plus hours at work and then making the 90-minute drive to Springfield the night before. But I wasn't tired. I was actually giddy at the thought of being a leader for the group, running with old friends and making some new ones. You could definitely say I was filled with joy. 

And you want to know the greatest thing about being filled with joy? Real joy I mean? The kind of joy that can only come from Jesus? When you and I are overflowing with it, it gives us strength. Which is exactly why Jesus told the disciples "many things... so they would be filled" with His joy. You see, Jesus knew they would need this joy, or great glee and happiness that’s not dictated by circumstances but by the closeness of our relationship with Him, to have the strength to faithfully endure to the end. And the same things He told the disciples to cause His joy to overflow in them are the very same things He tells you and me in the Word to cause our joy to overflow too. Things like, I am with you to the end of the age, you have nothing to fear, I will never leave you nor forsake you, and your troubles won't last forever. 

So if you're feeling tired, run-down and less-than-joyful today, let me ask you this my friend... when's the last time you spent some quiet time with God? When's the last time you opened up the Word and allowed Him to tell you all the things He wants to tell you so you can be filled with His joy? If it's been a while, won't you take some time to meet with Him today? I can assure you that you'll soon be joyfully smiling too. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the Bible that allows You to speak to us in intimate ways. Help us to realize Lord that there is no joy apart from You and that the closer we are to You, the more joy we will have in our lives. Help us to make spending time with you our number one priority. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Grace got you - MercyMe

Do what you can while you can

"Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me." Psalm 71:18 NLT

On August 2, 55-year-old Sharon Gayter became the fastest woman to travel by foot between John O'Groats and Land's End in Britain after covering the 822 miles between the points in 12 days, 11 hours, 6 minutes, and 7 seconds. She was not only motivated to attempt this miraculous feat to raise money for a mental health charity following the suicide deaths of three of her friends, though, but because she knew she wouldn’t be able to run this way forever saying, “I'm getting on now and I keep thinking that I can't do any more, but the body surprises me that it can. And while I can still, I will." Talk about a person determined to make the most of each day they have left. Sharon even plans to be back at work by 9:00 a.m. Monday morning. 

And you know, each and every one of us will soon be "old and gray." It's just a fact. And while some of us may remain strong, fit and active for a lifetime (like Caleb), the majority of us won't. But guess what? That doesn't mean we can't serve Him for a lifetime. And doing that means making the decision, as Sharon did, to do what we can while we can. And you know what we can all do for a lifetime regardless of the state of our physical bodies? Pray and share the "mighty miracles" we have seen in our lives to "all who come after" us.

So while we have breath in our lungs, let us do everything we can to make sure that the Good News of the Gospel is shared to the ends of the earth, starting in our own backyards, neighborhoods, streets, and cities. After all, if you and I don't proclaim God's power to the next generation and to the lost, who will?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that each one of us will be old and gray. Knowing that, may we choose to do all that we can for the Kingdom while we are here on this earth and able to do it. Fill us with an unquenchable passion to save souls Lord and lead us in Your love to those around us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Build my life - Pat Barrett