Only what we do for the Lord will last

"Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world." James 1:27 CSB

If you're like a small minority of Americans, you’ll be watching the Olympic marathon trials taking place this weekend in Atlanta where nearly 700 runners will be competing for a place on the team. Kellyn Taylor, 33, who is said to be a top-contender for one of those spots, will be one of those runners. But Taylor is a runner to be admired for more than just her speed. You see, over the last year she and her husband, Bruce, have opened up their home to seven foster children (including a toddler and a new-born), something her coach, Ben Rosario, says he finds hard to comprehend due to Kellyn's grueling and time-consuming training schedule and need for sleep. “Some of the decisions she’s made over the years, in regards to her decision to begin fostering, I find it very difficult to understand... It’s frustrating as a coach at times to have someone with her level of talent and ability that chooses to make life harder on herself outside of running,” he continued. Most runners, he points out, are looking for ways to make life easier on themselves outside of running.

And you know, while it may be hard for Kellyn's coach and others to understand why she and her husband would commit to being foster parents at a time when the world says they should be concentrating solely on Kellyn's success, her husband said, “Kellyn has always had the mindset that there’s way more to life than running." And it's this "unstained" mindset that puts others first rather than self that allows them both to see that looking "after orphans... in their time of distress" is way more important, lasting, and life-changing than anything Kellyn could ever accomplish or win.

So in our pursuit of success, let us remember that the things we acquire or accomplish for ourselves today--the medals, a few moments of fame, or our name in a record book--will soon fade away and be forgotten. But those things we have done for the Lord like caring for "orphans and widows" will last for eternity. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that this world will never support or understand our decision to put Your will above our own. Knowing that Lord, give us the wisdom to recognize our calling and the strength to carry it out. In all these things, let us lead others to the foot of the Cross as they see our love for You displayed through our love for others. May we live our lives all for you. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

All for You - MIKESCHAIR

Be a friend to all

“I am a friend to all who fear You, and to those who keep Your precepts.“ Psalm 119:63 BSB 

Inc. Magazine recently published an article titled "Want to Be Healthy? Make Sure to Do These 7 Things (Most People Don't)". They went on to say that, whether or not you eat right and work out, these important habits will make you healthier. Some of the many obvious habits listed? Getting enough quality sleep, reducing stress and regularly taking time off from work to recharge your mind. Coming in at number six though was a 'thing' most of us wouldn't think of... regularly enjoying the companionship of others because being lonely, they said, is bad. Not only will loneliness harm your health by lessening your happiness, it's bad for you in itself. Surprisingly bad: Research shows that loneliness is as bad for you as smoking. So it's pretty clear that making sure you regularly spend time with your friends, family, and/or significant other should be part of your health maintenance routine.

And you know, when it comes to having a companion, or a person to spend your time with, you and I would do well to follow the example of David who was known for being a man who made companions with "all" who feared the Lord and who kept His precepts. In fact, although David was a wealthy and well-known king, he regularly associated with fellow believers of all walks of life--the rich, the poor, the famous and the obscure--knowing that the most important thing to look for in a friend was not their title or status but a shared love of the Lord.  

So if you are a person with many companions that share your love for Jesus, count your blessings my friend. They will serve to make you a wiser and happier person. But if you aren't, won't you prayerfully seek some out today? Having a few godly friends can truly make all the difference in the world. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for making us people who not only need You but need one another. Inspire us to seek out friends based solely on their shared love for You that we might be a friend to all. And help us to be that friend who makes the lives of everyone we associate with better. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Friendship Medley - Anthem Lights

Our lies always hurt others

"There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community." Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV

On February 16, 'Joe Morales' won the 2020 Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon with a time of three hours. But it was soon discovered that 'Joe Morales' was actually 'Ken' who made up the name upon being interviewed following his first place finish. Ken later posted the following on his Facebook page, "Ran my first marathon, and ended up getting 1st place the day after my 32nd birthday…..the bib is in another name since I didn’t register. I may or may not get in trouble for this idk." Ken later said that the registered owner of the bib who was not even named ‘Joe’ couldn’t run the race and that he couldn’t pay for it, so the person registered just gave it to him. "I DIDN’T KNOW HOW SERIOUS THIS WOULD GET…SORRY IF I MADE A MESS OF THIS."

And you now, there's a reason the Lord hates, among other things, "a lying tongue”. It's because deceit always hurts someone else. I mean, consider the second place finisher who rightfully should have broken the tape and gone on to celebrate the win to the cheers of the audience but couldn’t. Consider the reputation of racing that has yet another tarnish mark on it. And consider everyone else involved that had to make adjustments to timing and correct age group awards. Face it. The Lord absolutely detests lying because it is so hurtful to so many. 

And you know, even though the Lord absolutely hates deceit, there is still hope for deceivers - and every other sinner for that matter if they will simply turn to the Lord, confess their sins and ask for forgiveness. They may have to suffer the consequences the world imposes, as Ken and the person who gave their bib to him will (both were issued a permanent ban from ever entering the race), but they can be free from the consequence of death that sin brings. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that deceit is such a harmful action. Help us to remember that when we lie, we not only can tarnish our own reputation but Yours as well. Help us to be honest at all times Lord. And thank You for the mercy and forgiveness You extend when we inevitably mess up.  It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

His mercy is more - Matt Papa

Grit is crucial to our success

"For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." Matthew 7:14 ESV

"Carrying a charged cell phone and displaying incredible grit and determination to self-rescue likely prevented more serious injury in this case," Jefferson County Search and Rescue said regarding the timely rescue of Joseph Oldendorf who detached his tibia while out running on the Duckabush River Trail in Olympic National Park in Washington on Friday. After suffering the injury around 5 p.m., Oldendorf said he tried lying down to wait but he was too cold and believed that if he didn't keep moving he could die. So he made the choice to crawl several miles on his hands and knees to find help. Thankfully at 12:45 a.m. on Saturday he reached a point where his phone had signal and he was able to dial 911 and be rescued.

And you know, by definition, grit is unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger and the ability and resolve to press on in a task despite any obstacles. Grit is also about perseverance and continuing to stick with something even after experiencing difficulty or failure - staying the course day after day, month after month, and year after year. And grit, you can be sure, is not a character trait we are born with but a trait forged in the fires of adversity and absolutely crucial to the success of our christian walk. Why? Because, as the Bible assures us, "the way is hard that leads to life." So hard, in fact, that it will take tremendous grit to follow it.

So let us firmly determine within ourselves today that we will pursue Jesus at all costs - refusing to back down in the face of difficulty, cower in the midst of fear, or waver when confronted with opposition. And let us show 'incredible grit' in our pursuit to the finish line, remembering that the christian race is a marathon and not a sprint.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that navigating the road to eternal life will not be easy. The way is hard. The gate is narrow. And only those who have the grit to continue on in the face of every trial and test will navigate it and pass through it. Give us the strength to never give up Lord. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Run the Race - The faith that endures

Take a stand

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

On February 23, THE GARDNER NEWS posted a story titled, "Runner suing to stop transgender competitors wins on track." They went on to report that Chelsea Mitchell, one of three high school track athletes who filed a federal lawsuit to block a state policy that allows transgender athletes to compete in girls sports, narrowly beat Terry Miller, a male competing as female and undergoing hormone therapy, in the 55-meter dash Saturday at the Connecticut State Open indoor track meet. Mitchell also beat Miller last week in the State Class S championship race. Connecticut, the state in which Mitchell lives, is one of 17 states that allowed transgender high school athletes to compete without restrictions in 2019. Wow! This girl is a winner in more ways than one!

And you know, although Mitchell and her two companions, Alanna Smith and Selina Soule, are young, I love that they are not intimidated to stand up to injustice and fight for what they know to be right - something most adults aren't willing to do anymore in fear of upsetting someone or being seen as intolerant. But setting an example for other "believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" is something every believer, both young and old, should be striving to do. In fact, it's what we should be known for. 

So let me ask you this my friend. Are you setting a godly example for others to follow? Are you standing up for what you know to be right in the midst of opposition or contrary thinking? I sure hope so, because you and I will never change the world by staying silent and doing nothing. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for bold believers who will take a stand for what they know is right. Instill within us Lord a resolve to boldly follow You, to speak the truth and to fight for the principles laid out in your Word, unwilling to compromise or be silent. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Stand up - Worship Central

He is with us

“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”Zephaniah 3:17 NLT

On January 31, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency concerning the coronavirus, which was first identified in Wuhan, China. And with the outbreak showing no signs of being even remotely under control, the organizers of the Tokyo Marathon made the decision to limit the amount of participants for the Tokyo Marathon, issuing the following statement Monday, "We have been preparing for the Tokyo Marathon 2020 (Sunday, March 1) while implementing preventive safety measures, however, now that case of COVID-19 has been confirmed within Tokyo, we cannot continue to launch the event within the scale we originally anticipated and we regret to inform you the following: The Tokyo Marathon 2020 will be held only for marathon elites, and wheelchair elites."

And you know, the coronavirus is just another one of those things you and I can add to the growing list of things that are completely out of our control. Things like the weather and the increase in natural disasters, the unrest in our country and in our world, death, disease, and the threat of terrorism. In fact, with so many crazy things happening around us today, most of us would admit to experiencing some type of fear - fear for our children’s future, fear for our families, fear for our financial future, and even fear for our own safety. Thankfully though, when we feel like this world is out of control, we can take heart remembering that "God is living among" us. Which means our mighty Savior is still in control and "with His love" will "calm all" our fears. Did you catch that ALL part?

So as you look at the world around you, remember this my friend... we can’t control any of it. But what you and I can control is whether we keep our eyes on the Lord and feel His peace or keep our eyes on the world and feel disappointment, despair and dread.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You are, always have been and always will be in control of this world and of our lives. When we let fear and doubt creep in Lord, cause us to remember that You love us and are walking among us. It’s in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

He is with us - Love & the outcome

Be thankful for discipline

"Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD, and whom you teach out of your law, to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked." Psalm 94:12-13

When one of the participants in the couch to 5k program I'm blessed to teach posted "Got my 26 Intervals in outside!! I even had some slopes or what I would call HILLS when running up them!", I had to gently remind her that her workouts were to be on nonconsecutive days. "Yesterday should have been a rest day" I wrote. "I love your enthusiasm but want to keep you free from injury. Adding too much mileage too quickly can sideline a runner and we don’t want that!!" Thankfully though, she understood I was teaching her to train properly because I cared for her and so said, "Thank you for keeping an eye on me!" 

And you know, when it comes to being trained to avoid doing things that might hurt us, the psalmist was grateful for God's intervention saying, "Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD, and whom you teach out of your law, to give him rest from days of trouble..." You see, left without Parental supervision, you and I will inevitably stray from God's path and find ‘trouble.’ Which is exactly why the Lord, who cares for us beyond our comprehension, will use discipline to steer us back to the right course and train us to stay there. 

So when you are disciplined, be thankful my friend. Don't fight it and don't resist it. Welcome it and be grateful for it knowing the Lord cares too much for you to leave you as you are. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for always keeping Your eye on us and for disciplining us when we go astray. Help us to graciously accept the correction You give knowing it's done out of love, to keep us safe, and to make us more like You. It's in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

O Sacred King - Matt Redman

Publicly declare His praise

"I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the wonderful things you have done." Psalm 9:1 GNT

On February 2, One week after a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, tragically killed nine people-including NBA legend Kobe Bryant, 41, and his daughter Gianna Bryant, 13, the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach, California, paid tribute to the victims in many ways. Not only did the race start with a moment of silence but had special tributes at miles 8 and 24. One runner in the half marathon, Michael Sweet, took the tribute to a whole new level when he donned a Kobe Bryant jersey and dribbled a basketball for 13.1 miles. “I loved watching Kobe Bryant play, but he was also an amazing person,” Sweet said. “The world was really starting to watch him become a dad, and see what he was going to do for the world that was far beyond basketball.”

And you know, if paying tribute means to praise someone publicly for the great things they have done, can you imagine anyone more worthy of our praise than the Lord?  Of course not! After all, as the psalmist knew, He has done "wonderful things!" Sadly though, while most Christians will brazenly and publicly praise their favorite sports figures or sports team, they won’t publicly acknowledge the Maker of all good things. And by neglecting to do so will squander the opportunity for others to come to know the One truly worthy of all praise by their testimony. 

So let us be bold in our witness my friend. Let us, like the psalmist, be completely unafraid and unashamed to publicly declare, "I will will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of the wonderful things you have done." Can you imagine how many people would be led to the foot of the Cross if we all did?

Heavenly Father, we love You and we praise You for the wonderful things You have done! Help us to be bold in publicly declaring Your praises so that others would seek to know You and be saved by our testimony. It's in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Oh for a thousand tongues to sing - Crowder

We must be sold out

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 CEV

“After trying to fight off the stomach flu last week, I never quite shook it. Long story short -- not being able to stay fueled or hydrated doesn't get you far in the ultrarunning world... I decided to settle with a heavy 50 miler and claim my prize buckle...” These were the words written by my dear friend, Melissa Bland, after her attempt to complete the Outlaw 135 trail run on Saturday. And you know what? Regardless of what she thinks, that girl didn’t settle for anything!! She fought hard. She gave it all she had. And she left nothing out there on the course! I mean think about it... most people would not have even shown up at the start line much less attempted such a feat under those circumstances. 

And you know what? This spirit of bold and brave tenacity Melissa showed to start and finish the race is the same spirit you and I need to live the Christian life as we are called to do - to “fight the good fight”, living completely sold-out for the cause of Christ and unwilling to settle for anything less than giving Him our all in the midst of every seemingly impossible and unconquerable circumstance. Which is the exact reason Paul urged Timothy to never give up and to keep fighting with all he had in the same way Paul had, hopeful that on the day Timothy breathed his last breath he too could be confident in declaring, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

So how are you doing in your walk of faith my friend? Are you completely set apart and sold-out for Jesus Christ? Are you fighting the good fight? I sure hope so. Because it’s only when you are that you can be confident that you will one day hear the words every believer should long to hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the Christian race of life will not be easy for the person who strives to follow you with all their might. Give us the strength to fight hard and the wisdom and power to overcome every obstacle in our path in our pursuit to the finish line. It’s in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Sold out - Hawk Nelson

Pray and seek His face

"Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land." 1 Chronicles 7:14 NLT

If you're like most runners who have the day off today, you'll probably celebrate by going for a run. I know I will. But Presidents Day is not merely a day to get in a longer workout but to ponder the meaning of the holiday which began as a celebration of Washington's Birthday on February 22, 1800 following the beloved leaders death in 1799. The day of celebration soon became a federal holiday and continued to be commemorated on that same day each year until 1971 when it was moved to the third Saturday in February. And although the day is now commonly known as Presidents Day instead, it is still listed on official calendars as Washington's Birthday. 

So what was so special about this man for him to be honored in this way and for so long you might ask? That’s simple. He was a man who loved the Lord, loved his country and believed in praying for it. In fact, this prayer penned by Washington is read aloud each day at Mount Vernon's public wreath ceremony, I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have the United States in his holy protection, that he would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field, and finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed Religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation. Amen. 

So let us take the opportunity today and every day to not only pray for our leaders and all those in authority but to solemnly, pleadingly and unceasingly pray for our country. That we would once again be a nation known for seeking God's face and following His commands. 

Heavenly Father, we humbly seek Your face today and pray that You will forgive our sins and restore our land. We pray that You would grant our leaders and those in authority wisdom and well-being to make decisions and lead in a way that honors You. It's in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

What if His people prayed

God loves us so much

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15 ESV

"You've done very well with your dietary changes Hope but I'm afraid you're going to have to be even stricter if you want to eliminate the symptoms you're still experiencing," the specialist said at Wednesday's follow-up appointment following my teenage daughter's recent IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) diagnosis last year. And as she handed her a list of the foods she couldn't eat, my daughter looked at me despairingly knowing the temptations would be hard to battle. "It's okay," I said to her. "I'll do this with you." Having been diagnosed with IBS myself as a teenager, I added, "I could definitely stand to clean up my diet." "Thank you," she replied smiling. "I don't think I can do this without you." 

And you know, just as having experienced the same condition as my daughter allowed me to sympathize with her, the Bible tells us that we have a "high priest" who is able to "sympathize with" us. You see, Jesus was "in every respect... tempted as we are" but He never sinned. That means He knows every one of the temptations you and I will ever face because He has faced them. And He understands every one of "our weaknesses" because He has felt them. And because of this, He is there to help us overcome every one of our temptations to sin. 

So this Valentine's Day, may you and I remember that as much as our significant other may love us, God loves us so much more. So much in fact, that He not only sent his one and only Son to die on the Cross to save us from our sins, but sent Him into this world to be born of flesh that He could sympathize with us when we need it most. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the love You have for us is greater than any love we could ever know or experience in this world. You never leave our side and are always with us. And for that we thank You. Help us to look to You and to your Word when we are tempted to sin that we might find the strength to overcome our weaknesses. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

No other love - Jasmine Murray

Faltering without failing

“If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength.” Proverbs 24:10

Blessed to have had the day off yesterday due to Lincoln’s birthday, I went for a run while pondering why our 16th President stood out enough to have a public holiday honoring his birth. And after finding a long list of his accomplishments, I came across a sentence that summed up his presidency; “No President in American history ever faced a greater crisis and no President ever accomplished as much.” Indeed Lincoln faced many crises during his career, including leading a nation in the midst of a civil war and then directing its’ ultimate reconstruction, but he never wavered in his commitment to what he believed to be his God-given calling as the President saying, “Adhere to your purpose and you will soon feel as well as you ever did. On the contrary, if you falter, and give up, you will lose the power of keeping any resolution, and will regret it all your life.”

And you know, each and every one of us has a God-given purpose in this life. A purpose for which God promised to provide the strength needed to fulfill it. But guess what? God never promised us that we wouldn’t falter along the way! And that faltering, or wavering from the faith “in a time of trouble”, is something that will happen in the life of nearly every Christian. Thankfully though, in those times of crisis and doubt when we are tempted to give up and our faith feels small, we can rely on Christ to give us the strength we need.

So if you feel yourself wavering in your resolution to serve Christ or incapable of accomplishing the things He has laid on your heart to do today, keep pressing on by His strength and ‘you will feel as well as you ever did’ my friend. And remember... faltering here and there won’t lead to failure if you don’t give up, something you would most certainly regret all your life.

Heavenly Father, thank You for promising to provide the strength and resources we need to do anything You have called us to do no matter how impossible it might seem. When we falter in our faith Lord, cause us to remember that You are our refuge and our unlimited strength. It’s in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Trust - Seventh Time Down

Be well in body and spirit

"Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit." 3 John 1:2

"How long have you been experiencing this pain?" the chiropractor's assistant asked me yesterday morning as she took notes for the doctor. Looking down at the ground sheepishly, I quietly answered, "a couple of months." Without missing a beat, she looked at me and smiled knowingly. "Well I'm glad you finally decided to come and see us. The doctor will give you an adjustment that should have you feeling better in no time." And guess what? She was right. In less than thirty minutes I was pain free and walking normally, vowing right then to take better care of myself. 

And you know, when it comes to taking care of our physical bodies, most of us would admit that we aren't doing a very good job - whether it be the result of an unhealthy diet, lack of sleep, not exercising or, like me, forgoing needed healthcare. But as the letter John wrote to Gaius clearly shows we should be. You see, John, who clearly understood the connection between body and spirit, hoped that his "dear friend" was "well" and "as healthy in body" as he was "strong in spirit" because he knew that the healthier Gaius was in each area the better he could fulfill the calling God had placed on his life. 

So knowing that we serve the Lord better when we are healthy in both body and spirit as well, let us strive to recognize those areas where we need improvement and then work towards improving them. We will not only feel better by doing so but will most likely influence those around us to do the same. And doesn't the thought of that make you smile?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the much needed reminder that we serve You best when we are at our best. And we are only at our best when we take care of our bodies correctly and strengthen our spirits each day through the Word and prayer. Help us to do both that we might serve You better and live a life of praise. It's in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Life of Praise - Casting Crowns

Fix your thoughts

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" Isaiah 26:3 NLT

In an article published by Runner's World recently, researchers at the University of Liverpool in the U.K. determined that it only took 14 days of inactivity for a runner's overall fitness level to begin dropping. What's more, the study determined that a runner's metabolic health declined as well by the inactivity with an increase in total body and liver fat along with an increased insulin resistance which raised the risk of diabetes. That's pretty depressing news isn't it? Thankfully though, research concluded that within 14 days of resuming exercise, the same amount of time the athletes refrained from it, their fitness levels were restored. 

And while it's quite obvious that taking time off from exercising has negative effects on our bodies, taking time off from regular Bible study has negative effects as well. Effects that might not seem quite as obvious at first but eventually manifest in the form of moodiness, anxiety, apprehension, agitation and even fear. You see, in a world that is becoming increasingly tumultuous, staying "in perfect peace" is impossible for anyone "whose thoughts" are not fixed on God. And when we aren't filled with the "perfect peace" only God can offer, the things of this world can cause us to worry, fret and even lose sleep, all of which are detrimental to our health. 

So if want "perfect peace" in the midst of this troubled world, spend time in the Word each day my friend. Then meditate on God's promises throughout the day so your thoughts and trust will stay "fixed" on Him. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that when we take our thoughts off of you, even for a moment, we can be overwhelmed with anxious thoughts because of the things happening around us. Help us to stay focused on You, immersed in the Word daily, that we might stay in perfect peace. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Fix my Eyes - For King & Country 

Heaven is a real place

"In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?" John 14:2 ESV

On February 3, two teens were killed and four others injured when they were struck by a car while on a practice run as part of the Cross Country team at Moore High School in Moore, Oklahoma. Rachel Freeman, a high school senior, died at the scene while the other student died at the hospital. Opening up about the day that changed so many lives forever, Rachel's mother, Jody, told reporters that she was in the car with her son when she heard the sirens and raced to the scene. When she arrived, she said she didn't need to be told what happened. "One of Rachel's coaches gave me a hug, and I could tell by the look on their faces," Jody said, "I knew that my daughter was in Heaven."

And you know, as a parent myself, I can't imagine anything more tragic than losing a child. Except losing a child without having the comfort of knowing my child was in Heaven - a place that is without a doubt real where you and I will be reunited with our loved ones. And we can be confident of this because Jesus told us so when He said, "In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?" Did you get that my friend? Jesus, Himself, is preparing a real place for you, for me and for every other person that has placed their trust in Him as Lord and Savior. 

So I ask you this today... if you were to die at this very moment, do you know where you would spend eternity? Do you know where your children would spend eternity? If not, I earnestly hope you will place your trust in the One who longs to prepare a place for you and that you would urge your children to do the same. It's only then that you can have perfect peace in the midst of any tragedy.. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that You are preparing a place for every believer in Heaven. Help us to understand how fleeting and uncertain life is Lord that we would not waste any opportunity to tell others about Heaven that they might also spend eternity with You. It's in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Prepared a place for me - Sovereign Grace Music

 

Choose pure over processed

"Do you like honey? Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick!" Proverbs 25:16 NLT

According to a recent review published in the journal Medical Hypotheses, consuming large amounts of added sugars are already associated with adverse health consequences, such as increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, prompting insulin resistance and disrupting hormones. The study went on to say that sugar affects more than just the physical body in negative ways, it also affects our moods. “The average American eats about 22 teaspoons worth of added sugars each day,” Stephen Ilardi, Ph.D, said. “Consuming refined sugar in high doses like that can increase a person’s risk of becoming clinically depressed. That’s the takeaway message here.”

And you know, although many people wouldn't think to look to the Bible for a diet plan, it's exactly the place everyone should be looking. You see, just as the writer of Proverbs warned us that eating too much sweet stuff will make us sick as science has clearly proven, the Bible tells us that God gave us plants and fruits for food. Plants and fruits that are to be eaten in their natural state rather than processed to have a long shelf-life or modified to overwhelm our senses and give us unnatural cravings. 

So in all things let us look to the Bible for guidance my friend. And then let us remember that our bodies are not our own and that we have a responsibility to care for them wisely. Doing so will not only glorify our Creator but make us feel better and allow us to serve to the best of our ability for years to come. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder of how toxic a processed diet loaded with sugar is to both our bodies and our minds. Cause us to remember Lord that we are Your servants and can only serve as we are called when we are healthy. Give us the willpower to discipline ourselves to make healthy choices that we might glorify You with our bodies and our lives. 

Happy Running!!!

I give myself away

When plans do not go as planned

'"I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted." Job 42:2 NIV

Yesterday morning EveningStandard announced that famed Olympic runner Mo Farah would not be running the Vitality Big Half next month as he had planned. It seems this Londoner, who had hoped to get his 2020 ambitions under way, will be sitting this race out due to an unforeseen Achilles complaint. “ I was really looking forward to racing the Vitality Big Half again," said Farah. "Everyone knows how much I love racing in London but my priority is to be fit, healthy and competitive for the summer season and, for that reason, I have had to make the tough decision not to race this year. I definitely hope to be back again in 2021."

And you know, the funny thing about making plans is you and I can make all of them we want but we really aren't in control of any of them. Consider Job. Here was a man who seemingly had it all - a nice home, a loving family, and a promising future - and no doubt planned on continuing on in this nice peaceful life as a father, husband and friend until the day he went home to be with his Creator. But as Scripture tells us, Job’s plans were abruptly and completely changed in an instant when everything he had was taken. But through it all, Job said, "I know you can do all things,” acknowledging that God could change his situation at any time but would allow His purpose to be unthwarted, or fulfilled, instead - a purpose that Job trusted would ultimately be for his good and for God's glory.

Perhaps your life isn't going as planned right now? Maybe it's even been turned completely upside down? If that’s you today my friend, remember this... life happens. Plans change. But God is always there working all things for your good and for His glory. Trust Him.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for being a God who can be trusted. You have proven over and over again that all things work for the good of those who love You and have chosen to take up their cross to follow You. Through every change of plans, cause us to remember this that we would look to You and say,”Lord I may not understand my situation right now but I will trust You.” It’s in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Trust in You - Lauren Daigle

Friends make all the difference

"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:25 NLT

Iain Mickle ran his first sub-three-hour marathon (which was also his first marathon) in 1977 at the age of 17 and his most recent sub-three-hour marathon just three days after turning 59. In doing so, Iain set a world record for the longest elapsed time, 42 years, between sub-three hour finishes.Mickle admits that while consistency is important, his real secret to athletic success is simple: friendship. He trains with a regular running group that meets multiple times a week to “suffer” together. “I really enjoy my long runs and hard workouts because of the group of people I’m running with every day,” Mickle says. “It’s so important to have supportive people to run with. You need people to share goals with and be competitive with. It’s what keeps me going.”

And you know, as a member of a running group myself, I couldn't agree more with Iain. Having a group of people supporting and encouraging us to keep going will most definitely motivate our resolve to keep lacing up our shoes day after day. Much in the same way, we as Christians, motivate one another to keep pressing on when we regularly fellowship with one another. In fact, this is the exact reason Paul urged believers not to neglect "meeting together, as some people do," but to gather together often so they could "encourage one another" to keep running the race. 

So if you aren't a part of an encouraging group of believers, I would highly advise you to seek one out and become an active member my friend. You'll be surprised at how meeting with fellow followers regularly will not only motivate you to stay in the race but inspire you to make it all the way to the finish line. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that meeting regularly with other believers is the key to the long-term success of our walk with You. Help us to no only seek encouragement from a group of believers but to be an encourager as well. Help us to be one another's cheerleaders in life's race to the finish line. It's in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Cheer you on - Jordan Feliz

Never ever ever ever give up

“We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:9 NLT

“Patrick this wasn’t your kind of game in the first half... “ said Terry Bradshaw while interviewing Patrick Mahomes after Sunday’s Super Bowl win by the Kansas City Chiefs. “I’m just glad our guys kept fighting and we found a way to get in the end,” Mahomes responded. Terry went on to point out how the Chiefs had a habit of coming up from behind. “This is just an unusual way to win football games. Two playoff games you had to come from behind twice, once at 10 points and once at 24 points against Houston. Now tonight down 20 to 10, you turned it on in the fourth quarter. What is it about you and this team that allows you to do that?” Bradshaw asked. And I love what Patrick said next, “We never give up... They have a mindset that they will never give up and they will fight to the end.”

And you know, this mindset of never giving up and fighting to the end is the same mindset every believer must have if they are to wholeheartedly, unabashedly, courageously and zealously serve Christ as He has called us to serve. You see, when you and I choose to follow Jesus, we will always face opposition from the world around us and from forces unseen in the supernatural realm. But it’s then, each and every time that “we get knocked down” by that opposition, we must get back up and fight - remembering that “we are not destroyed” and never “abandoned by God.” In fact, we would do well to remember that God is not only with us but fighting in the battle beside us.

So whatever you do my friend, never ever ever give up. Keep pressing on to fulfill the calling God has placed on your life. You will not only find victory through the power of Jesus Christ when you do so but will inspire those around you to do the same.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that the Christian life is not always an easy one and that we will face many trials and tribulations in our race to the finish line. Keep reminding us that You are always beside us so that we would determine within ourselves to never give up no matter how hopeless a situation may appear. It’s in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen

Happy Running!!!!

Never give up - Illuminate

Run from temptation

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

Knowing in advance that I'd probably eat a little more than usual due to the abundance of finger foods that would line our kitchen counter for the viewing of the Super Bowl yesterday, I added in a walk after church in addition to my early morning run. But as I was preparing the buffalo chicken dip my daughter had requested, I knew I was in trouble from the first sample. "Just one little bite," I thought to myself as I tested it out. But when I found myself going back multiple times saying, "Okay, this is the last bite," without it truly being the late bite, I knew I needed to distance myself from the addictive appetizer and so laced up my shoes and went out for another walk. 

And you know, when it comes to temptations, the Bible is clear that everyone will experience them in life. But thankfully, the Bible also tells us that "God is faithful" and "will not allow the temptation to be more than" you and I "can stand." Which means anytime we are tempted - whether it be by food or the desire to sin - God will always give us "a way out" so that we can withstand the urge to do something we know we shouldn't do and walk away. 

So knowing that God always provides the strength to endure any and every inclination to sin, let us look for the "way out" He promised to provide any time we experience these unholy urges. And then let us run as quickly as we can away from that thing, person or situation enticing us to stray from God's good and perfect will, determined to never look back.  

Heavenly Father, thank You for always giving us a way out when wrong desires entice us to stray from what we know is right. Help us to realize that we don't have to rely on our own willpower to overcome addictions and temptations but can look to You to provide the power we need to run to safety. It's in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Long black train - Josh Turner