Double Check Doctrine

“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts 17:11 NIV

In an upbeat story titled “Russian runner bites soap after mistaking it for race snack” published out of Bangkok yesterday, it was reported that: A light-hearted mix-up by Russian marathon runner Sergey Zyryanov has gone viral on Thai social media after he accidentally bit into a bar of herbal soap, mistaking it for a sweet treat.

Zyryanov, who was in Thailand for a 10-kilometre run, received a souvenir bag from organisers after crossing the finish line. The bag contained water, daily necessities and snacks.

Feeling hungry after the race, he picked up an orange packet that appeared to be jelly or candy and took a bite. Only then did he realise something was wrong.

The item was not a dessert but a bar of herbal soap.

Zyryanov later posted a photo of the soap bearing clear bite marks, writing: “After running 10 kilometres, they gave me dessert. But it turned out to be soap.”

The image quickly spread across Thai social media, drawing waves of amused and sympathetic reactions. Many users joked about the unexpected “taste of Thailand”, while others expressed concern for the runner.

The incident has since become a reminder for race participants to double-check whether items in souvenir bags are edible — especially in Thailand, where surprises can come in many forms.

And, you know, souvenir bags are not the only thing that you and I should double-check. Following the example of the Berean Jews, we should carefully examine the Scriptures every day to see if what our pastors, teachers, and spiritual leaders say is true. 

You see, we, as believers, are called to be discerning and diligent when it comes to the Scriptures and their interpretations. Which means that we should not believe everything we hear preached from the pulpit, taught in our Bible studies, shared by friends, or even posted on social media. We have a personal responsibility to sift truth from error.

The Bereans set this pattern when, although Paul was recognized as a powerful, persuasive, and bold teacher who taught the "whole counsel of God" and was instrumental in expanding the faith to both Jews and Gentiles, they didn’t blindly follow him. “They received the message with great eagerness” BUT they “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." They weren't merely satisfied with taking Paul's word for it, they took God's word for it. 

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.” 2 Peter 2:1-3

So, don’t blindly follow anyone who professes to preach truth my friend. As the Bible clearly warns us, there will always be false prophets and false teachers who seek to “bring the way of truth into disrepute" and it’s our job to stop it! Which is the reason, we are called to double-check everything they say or write against the Scriptures so that we can discern and expose any false teachings.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we must take the translation of the Scriptures very seriously. Help us to understand why this is so important so we would daily put in the work to be discerning and diligent. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

“Now the LORD had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.” Genesis 12:1 NKJV

In a story titled “An Austin Marathoner ran an incredible pace—while wearing blue jeans” posted earlier this week, the writer said “There's a reason behind the odd wardrobe choice.”

The writer went on to say: Running a marathon is impressive enough. Especially in Austin, where that 26.2 miles includes some brutal hills, just finishing is well worth the celebration. But one guy ran it well under three hours—while wearing blue jeans.

Truett Hanes finished the Austin Marathon on Sunday at 2:36:56, making for a 6-minute mile average and placing first in his age group. Hanes, a runner from Utah who is currently vying to qualify for the Olympic trials, ran the whole race in a pair of full-length blue jeans from The Perfect Jean, battling a windy day in Austin…

This isn't the first time Hanes has run a marathon in jeans. He's run several while sporting a pair of jeans (from The Perfect Jeans, specifically). Last year, he ran the Austin Marathon, finishing in 2:42:51 in blue jeans and baffling some commentators.

"Honestly, it just started as fun, but now it's turned into something where we can raise money for MS," Hanes said in a video made with The Perfect Jeans. Currently, the company runs a promotion where using Hanes' code for a purchase triggers a 10 percent donation to The Miracle Foundation, which helps orphaned and foster children. Hanes says he's raised $40,000 for the nonprofit so far.

Pretty impressive right? Running in jeans is not comfortable to say the least. But being uncomfortable paid off in more ways than one.

And, you know, while many believers want to make an impact in the Kingdom by stepping out to do something great for the Lord, a great majority never put their desires into action because they are afraid to step out of their comfort zone. Why? Because spiritual growth, while necessary, is scary and many times painful.

This fear of the unknown is most likely what Abraham experienced when he heard the Lord say, “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.”

Talk about moving out of your comfort zone! To truly understand the magnitude of what God told Abraham to do, you should realize that during this time in history, and in this part of the world, families didn’t split up. Kids didn’t move away from home. Families were clans and tribes of multiple families all living and working together. A city or a village was simply a few interconnected families that stuck together. Why? Because it was literally the only way to survive at the time. So, when God told Abraham to get out of his country, and leave his family it was no small matter. Not to mention the fact that Abraham was 75 years old at this time!

Why did God want Abraham to do this? We find the answer in verses 2 and 3.

“‘I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’” Genesis 12:2-3

There were spiritual and practical things God wanted to accomplish in Abraham’s life that could not be accomplished while he was inside his comfort zone. God could not have educated Abraham the way He wanted to if he was surrounded by his family. God could not have multiplied Abraham the way He wanted to if he was already part of a larger community. God had some big plans for Abraham, and He needed room to accomplish those things in his life.

“‘But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, The descendants of Abraham My friend.‘“ Isaiah 41:8

Hence the reason Abraham was called to step outside his comfort zone. And because of his obedience (notice not because of his perfection),Abraham became known as the foundational patriarch of the Jewish people and the "father of faith," known for his unquestioning obedience to God, his covenantal relationship with the Almighty, and his willingness to sacrifice his son, Isaac. He left his home for Canaan based on a divine promise of land, descendants, and blessings to all nations and became known as “a friend of God”

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 2:7

So, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to do what God is calling you to do today my friend. It may be hard and even a bit frightening, but remember that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Which means He, like He was with Abraham, will be with you every step of the way.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that you have not called us to a life of comfort but to a life of service. Help us to step out of our comfort zones to serve You in whatever way You are calling us to serve Lord. Help us to be totally unafraid to go where You tell us to go and do what You call us to do God, that we might make an impact in the Kingdom. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Self-Control will Get You to the Finish Line

"And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made." Genesis 2:2-3 NKJV

“ Well... I got it done and earned my 50K buckle at the Iron Heart Ultramarathon! That being said, it didn't come without some sacrifices. This was by far the hardest race I've ever been a part of. Between the heavy rain, deteriorating trail conditions, no cell service or entertainment, hours on the trail alone, the elevation, drop offs, and one solid fall, this buckle was earned... To call this a "run" is a bit of a stretch though. It was more like a power hike slip and slide, and just a brutal push to keep moving forward. I destroyed my phone and my legs! In order to better prepare for the 110 miler in four weeks, I'm going to withdraw from the Yeti Marathon this upcoming weekend. I feel like this is the best decision in order to get a full four weeks of recovery and training. This was a proud moment, and a buckle that is well worth sacrificing another race for. I can't wait to tackle it again next year!”

Those were the words written by Tyler Melton, an ultrarunner from Owensville, MO, who braved the adverse weather conditions to take home the prize for completing the very difficult 31 mile trail race my husband and I were volunteering at on Saturday. And while the conditions were less than ideal (to say the least), this training in grit and perseverance will definitely pay off when he steps up to the start line for that 110 mile race next month.

And while it's normal to assume that preparing for a high mileage race would require conditioning the body to be able to run a distance many people don't even like to drive, there's more to being ready for a race this difficult than logging miles. It's logging them at the right time.

You see, while the Lord designed our bodies for movement, He also designed them to need rest and recovery. This was an example God set for us in Genesis when, after working six days, "He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made."

Now you can be sure that the Creator certainly didn't need to rest. After all, He is God and never gets tired. But He knew that we would need to rest. After all, He made us. Unfortunately though, rest doesn't come easy or naturally to most runners (or people in general) who, by and large, find it hard to take a day off from working or to let their bodies recover before taking on the next big thing—something that inevitably leads to burnout and/or injury.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

This is the very reason that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and not of the flesh. Often called "temperance," self-control doesn’t come naturally and signifies a mastery over a person’s will, desires and passions. It’s the inner strength that allows us to act according to God’s principles rather than succumbing to our own desires and our need to keep pressing on despite the consequences for doing so at the expense of rest. And it's the discipline that allows us to "withdraw" from things that don't work toward our goal of reaching the finish line. 

So, remember that this race of life isn't a 5k but an ultra marathon my friend—and that you, ultimately, are not the Coach of your own life. Which means that self-control and obedience to God’s direction must be practiced in every area of your life if you want to make it to the finish line. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit that resides in us and guides our training in all areas of our lives. Help us to be open to the leading and direction of the Holy Spirit Lord that we might rest when we need rest and withdraw from anything that takes us away from our goal of finishing strong and giving You the glory. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION-Time to Bounce Back

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog

Now let's get started by talking about bouncing back. This an important and timely topic since statistics show that nearly 80% of New Year's resolutions are abandoned by February, especially those to eat better, become mentally and physically fit, and shed weight. In fact, most people tend to give up within the first month. Which is the very reason we celebrate National Bounce Back Month in February.

As a running and wellness coach, I'll tell you that every January I see a surge of motivation. People make new goals, they map out new routines, and hope that this will be the year everything changes. And then life happens. A few missed workouts turn into a missed week, the schedule gets crowded, the weather doesn’t cooperate, energy drops, and before long many people quietly decide they’ve failed their New Year’s resolutions and they give up. But the truth is, they haven’t failed — they’ve simply encountered the same resistance that every runner, every athlete, and every person pursuing growth eventually faces. Setbacks don’t have to be the opposite of progress then; they can be a part of it. It’s your choice.  

Which means you shouldn’t abandon a goal because you got off course. Instead you should  adjust, regroup, and keep moving forward… understanding that progress is built over time through consistency, not through perfection. I can't stress that enough! What matters most is not perfection then but your ability to bounce back, because resilience — not a perfect start — is what ultimately carries you across the finish line.

Bouncing back after a setback teaches you far more than starting strong ever will. It shifts your focus away from the pressure of perfection and back to the power of momentum. Health and fitness are not all-or-nothing journeys. 

If you planned to move five days a week and only managed two, those two days still matter! Those workouts are proof that you're moving forward, and forward movement — no matter how small — creates change. This is another thing that I can't stress enough! People give up when they don't reach their goals immediately, forgetting that lasting change takes time. 

With that being said, check out what the Official National Bounce Back Month page says are great ways to celebrate and begin your bounce back to completing those resolutions: 

Express gratitude. Appreciate your precious, one-and-only body and life first thing in the morning and throughout the day. Research shows that practicing gratitude regularly can lead to many benefits, including improved mental and physical health, better sleep, and greater life satisfaction.

Claim Success. See yourself as a person who appreciates wholesome foods and enjoys exercising. When you take this can-control attitude and envision yourself having a healthy lifestyle, you will triumph.

Prepare for temptations. Whenever you go to social events, parties, family functions, grocery stores, or even gas stations, expect that you may be tempted. Plan exactly what you’ll do if temptation strikes when you’re out and about in the Junk Foods Jungle. Breathe in and out five times, delay for 10 minutes (promising yourself not to indulge), or step outdoors for a brief walk.

Before you indulge, ask yourself “why.” Whenever you want to reach for sugar-filled cookies or polish off a bag of ultra-processed chips, look within. What’s eating you that makes you want to eat or overeat? After all, knowledge is power, as philosopher Sir Francis Bacon said centuries ago.

Forgive yourself if you slip. Above all, be kind to yourself if you grab carbage (carbohydrate garbage). Studies shows that self-compassion may lead to more health-promoting behaviors such as healthy eating and physical activity. You also may experience reduced pain and anxiety, better overall physical health, and a greater quality of life.

So, if your New Year’s resolution has slipped, the answer is not to wait for next January friends — it’s to restart and bounce back today. Let go of the guilt because it serves no purpose. Simplify your goals so they feel manageable again. Focus on what you can do this week instead of what you didn’t do last month. And remember... you don’t need a new year to begin again; you just need a decision to keep going. Your year is not defined by how you started — it’s defined by how you choose to continue the journey forward. So get out there and get to training! The Bass Pro Fitness Series of Events will begin soon and you'll want to be ready!

Happy Running!

The Narrow Way is Very Difficult

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

In a story titled “The 2026 Barkley Marathons Have Begun—Its Earliest Start Date Ever,” published by Runner’s World on Saturday, it was reported that “Runners set off after Lazarus Lake lit the ceremonial cigarette at 6 a.m. on Valentine’s Day.”

On a chilly morning in the rural mountains of Tennessee, a conch shell was blown and a cigarette was lit, signaling the start of the 2026 Barkley Marathons.

The famously secretive—and extremely difficult—race is a fan favorite every year. The Valentine’s Day start is the earliest start date in the race’s history, which dates back to 1986. Most years, the race is held in mid-to-late March or early April.

The 2026 edition officially began at 6 a.m. ET and will conclude at 6 p.m. ET on Monday.

The format of Barkley is unlike any other ultramarathon. Each year, around 40 people start the roughly 100-mile race. To finish, they must complete five loops of the course—which meanders through Frozen Head State Park—under the 60-hour cutoff. The course changes every year and participants aren’t allowed to use GPS to navigate. Typically, runners can expect north of 60,000 feet of elevation gain.

Only 20 people have completed the race, with Brett Maune, Jared Campbell, and John Kelly finishing multiple times. In 2024, Jasmin Paris became the first woman to complete the race, but last year, there were no finishers…

And, you know, in the same way very few runners are ever able find their way to the finish and complete this race that’s described as “extremely difficult,” very few people will be able to find their way to the “narrow gate” which leads to life.

 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

You can be sure it’s not because they aren’t given the road map or the GPS coordinates to find it, though, because the Bible is clear that God’s word is a lamp into our feet and a light into our path.Which means the Lord will guide our every step and reveal the way in which we should go.

 
The problem, then, is not that people don’t know or can’t discover the way to eternal life but that they don’t want to follow the way. Why? Because the road requires a total surrender to Jesus Christ. 

 
That means it requires sacrifice. It requires setting aside our will to take up God’s will—foregoing the pleasures and desires of this world to remain pure, holy, and devoted unto God. It requires following God even when the world mocks us, ridicules us, or even persecutes us for it. Most of all, it requires a total commitment to upholding and following God’s laws and standing on the Truth—something that will put us directly in opposition to the world and its false beliefs and narratives.

 

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

You see, “wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.” It’s a broad road, because it’s the way that says there are many ways to heaven and that your truth is what you want it to be. Many will follow it, because it’s easier to follow the crowd than it is to follow Jesus. But Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28

So, don’t be misled my friend. The broad road may look easy but the consequences of compromise have eternal repercussions that you won’t want to face.

 
So, choose to follow Jesus Christ while you still can. It won’t be easy. In fact, it will be very difficult. But it will be worth it in the end. 

 
Heavenly Father, thank You for making it abundantly clear that You are the only way to heaven and that only those who choose to follow You in this world will be allowed entry. Lord, help us to be bold in sharing this message that no one would perish in account of us. And Lord, help us to stay in the narrow path no matter how difficult it might become. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Keep Looking Ahead

“And now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the LORD spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.” Joshua 14:10-12 NKJV

In an inspiring story titled “Bal Joshi breaks world record after running 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents” published yesterday, it was reported that Bal Joshi has done more than finish the World Marathon Challenge — he has set a Guinness World Record.

The runner completed the 777 challenge, also known as the World Marathon Challenge, running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. His cumulative time was just over 34 hours and 50 minutes when he crossed the final finish line in Miami.

“I'm still processing it. Did I actually do this?” Joshi said.

The grueling test of endurance began in Antarctica at negative 20 degrees and included a race in 106-degree heat in Perth, Australia. Joshi said the physical and mental demands pushed him to his limits, especially while averaging about three hours of sleep a day.
“My willpower is slightly more stronger than I thought it is,” Joshi said.

“Although it was 7 days, it feels like it was 7 years,” Joshi said. “We all need a constant reminder to tell ourselves, 'Hey, you can push one more time. That's when you go a little further.'”

As if the global marathon schedule was not challenging enough, Joshi added another personal test — completing each race while wearing traditional Nepali attire to honor his birthplace.It is not the kind of comfortable attire you like to have for your running or any sort of physical exercise,” Joshi said. The accomplishment earned him a Guinness World Record.

“I am the fastest runner who ran 777 while wearing traditional attire,” Joshi said…

Beyond the record, Joshi said he also raised money and awareness for a charitable cause on each continent.

Now, he is already looking ahead.

“I have not done a 100-mile race yet,” Joshi said.

And, you know, this attitude of continually looking ahead to achieve greater things despite recent success, is the same attitude that every believer should strive to have. It was certainly Caleb’s attitude.

Who was Caleb? He was a leader of the tribe of Judah, and is celebrated in the Bible for his unwavering faith and "wholehearted" devotion to God. As one of twelve spies sent by Moses to scout Canaan, Caleb and Joshua were the only ones who believed Israel could conquer the land despite its giants. Due to this faith, Caleb was promised an inheritance, and 45 years later, at age 85, he successfully conquered his allotted territory.

Did you get that part? Caleb achieved great success at the age of 40 but he continued to look ahead to the next thing God wanted him to do. This was a lifetime pattern that became apparent at the age of 85 when he said, “And now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the LORD spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.”

Caleb showed faith and drive throughout his life so he was just as prepared in his later years to serve the Lord as he was in his younger days. Is that amazing or what? 

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

So, knowing that God will provide everything you and I need to do good works over a lifetime, don’t settle on your past or current successes my friend. Keep looking forward to the next thing God would have you do, and then do it. And when that thing is done, do the next thing, and the next thing, and the next thing. In doing so, you will not only display a lifetime of faithfulness for others to follow but will fulfill the calling God has placed on your life. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us that if we still have a pulse, we still have a purpose. From every age help us to serve you, Lord, and to always stay looking ahead and moving forward, remaining strong in mind and body even into our later years. Help us to look to you for guidance and direction that we might live a life full of good works for your glory. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Believers Must Warn Others

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.” Ezekiel 3:17-19 NKJV

In a disturbing story titled “Runner threatened with knife on Stones River greenway trail” posted by WKRN out of Nashville, TN earlier this week, it was reported that:

Officers were called to the Stones River Greenway on Monday after a runner reported being threatened by a man with a knife.

According to arrest documents, the runner was stretching at the greenway trailhead near Kohl’s off Lebanon Pike when he was approached by Reginald Williams, 30, who asked what he was doing there. Williams allegedly pulled out a knife and told the runner he “better run” back to his truck. The runner went back to his vehicle, warned others to not enter the trail, and called police. The suspect had reportedly left the area where the assault occurred by the time officers arrived.

Thankfully the man was found, questioned, arrested, and then charged with felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. It comes as no surprise that Williams has a history of this type of behavior, making what the runner did all the more important. He saw a threat and warned others.

 
In the same way the runner warned people of a danger he was well aware of, every believer is called to warn the world of the dangers of following the world rather than God… dangers that the Bible makes us very aware of. In this way, every believer, like the prophet Ezekiel who was commissioned to warn the people of Israel to repent or die, is called to be a watchman.

And you can be sure this is a commission we must take very seriously—as God made it very clear that if we don’t “speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood” will be on our hands.

 
Yet, we are told, if we “warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity;” but we will not be held guilty since we issued the warning.

In other words, we can’t be silent but must speak up when God calls us to. Especially now when we can discern that the return of our Savior, Jesus Christ, is imminent.

 
And while you can be sure our warnings to “repent and turn back to God before it’s too late” might not always fall on receptive hearts and open ears, we must speak up anyway, despite the consequences. We must be faithful watchmen who declare God’s Word to a lost world.

 
So, don’t be afraid to sound the alarm when God calls you to do so my friend. In this way, you will be found faithful and no person will die in his or her sin on account that you didn’t warn them.

 
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are all called to be watchmen who warn the lost of the impending doom that lies ahead. Lord, help us to be bold yet loving as we speak your Truth to a dying world in the hope they will turn from their wicked ways and turn to You before it’s too late. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

 
Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Get Off the Fence

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let’s get started by talking about why being “on the fence” is not a good place to be and how you can motivate yourself to pick a side. If you’re wondering where I got such an odd topic, check out what the Fitness Series posted recently...

“On the fence about your next race? We've got you covered. Whether you're running your first half or marathon, chasing a PR, or rallying friends for race weekend, Bass Pro Shops Marathon Weekend has a distance, course, and experience for everyone. Check out 5 reasons runners keep coming back..”

Now before we get into the reasons why the runners keep coming back, myself included, let’s explore what being “on the fence” means.

"On the fence" means being undecided, neutral, or hesitant to choose between two or more options, sides in an argument, or courses of action, like literally sitting on a physical fence, not in either yard. It describes someone who hasn't committed to a decision, often because they're weighing pros and cons, lack courage, or want to stay on good terms with everyone.

Now, why is being “on the fence” so bad? Because it shows absolutely no forward movement or self improvement. And when a person ceases to better themselves in one way or another, they will regress—something that’s bad at any age. So, with that in mind, let’s look at the five amazing reasons they listed (*with my two cents thrown in of course) you should come back to the Marathon Weekend or sign up for one of the events for the first time!

1. 4 DISTANCES. ONE EPIC WEEKEND.

5K • Half Marathon • Marathon • Marathon Relay
Choose the race that fits your goals!

*I ran the Bass Pro Marathon for the first time in 2008 and was instantly hooked! Hence the reason I’ve been back every year except for one due to injury. That’s a lot of years! I’ve seen so many smiles from those doing all the distances and can attest that there is fun to be had at whatever goal you make for yourself.


2. FIRST-TIME FRIENDLY
Perfect for First-Time Half & Full Marathoners.
Smooth and supportive courses designed to help first-timers succeed.

*The crowd support over this epic weekend is some of the best anywhere! And the course is flat and fast. One of the best parts? The course is so family friendly that you can arrange for your friends or family to park at many different spots and encourage you along the way. Encouragement is completely underrated! Especially for thise


3. NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED AWARD WINNING EVENT
Race Raves #1 Missouri Marathon & Half Marathon (2022, 2023, 2024)
BibRave 100 Top 20 Half Marathons
BibRave 100 Top 10 Marathon Weekend

*People rave about Marathon Weekend for so many reasons! From packet pickup to the finish line, this event is a winner!

4. THE BEST SWAG & RACE DAY EXPERIENCE
Premium swag, high-energy race day vibes, andreviews to back it up — don't just take it from us, take it from our BibRave ratings!

*As someone who’s run a lot of races, I will tell you that Bass Pro consistently has the very best swag. In all the years I’ve participated in the series, I’ve never not raved about the finishers shirts or the medals!!!

5. PR-FRIENDLY COURSES
Fast, well-designed routes that runners love for chasing personal bests.

*Once again, I can attest to the truthfulness of this claim. Countless Personal Records and Personal Beats have been recorded on their carefully planned and meticulously marked courses. I, myself logged one of my top ten marathon times on the streets of Springfield, MO!!

And there you have it friends! There are so many great reasons to get off the fence and get signed up for one of Bass Pro’s amazing events. Did I tell you that the proceeds go to local charities? And that the best activity you can do for recovery is exploring the Wonders of Wildlife Museum? It’s true! Which adds to the reasons (and there are more!) you should get off the fence and get signed up for the best running weekend ever!

So, get signed up and then get to training! You’ll be glad you did. 

Happy Running!

Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 NKJV

In an article published by Runner’s World yesterday titled “The Boring, Brutal Truth: You Have to Run Faster to Run Faster,” the writer said, “Sometimes it’s just that simple.”

Let me start by saying: No, you are not required to have a goal of running faster in order to call yourself a runner. But plenty of runners, including myself, do train to get faster. And here’s the secret: You have to run faster to run faster.

Yes, running longer, slower miles has incredible value to building stamina and endurance. Those easy runs increase the number, size, and density of the mitochondria—the powerhouse—in your cells, which means you become more energy efficient.

 
But in order for you to become a more fleet-footed runner, your workouts need to be done at quicker paces. In many cases, that means they’re not comfortable; I’ve had to get comfortable being uncomfortable (and other cliches).

And you know, this principle of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable to get better is not only true in running, but true in our spiritual race as well. You see the Bible tells us that we are to “count it all joy” when (take note that the Bible didn’t say if) we fall (indicates we don't purposely enter) into various trials, because we know that the testing of our faith produces patience.

 
This patience, which is the ancient Greek word hupomone, does not describe a passive waiting as some might think but an active endurance. It isn’t so much the quality of forbearance that helps us sit quietly in the doctor’s waiting room, as it is the quality that helps us finish a marathon...  the quality that allows us to endure intense pain and keep pressing on to the finish line in spite of it. 

At its root, patience means to remain under. It has the picture of someone under a heavy load and choosing to stay there instead of trying to escape. The philosopher Philo called hupomone “the queen of virtues" and the Greek commentator Oesterley said this word patience describes “the frame of mind which endures.”

Unfortunately a person doesn't gain this virtue or frame of mind overnight though. The work of patient endurance comes slowly (taking years and sometimes even decades to grow), through all different kinds of tests and tribulations, and must be allowed to have full bloom so a person's character is spiritually mature and lacking in nothing to lead a godly life. In this way, trials prove to be a wonderful work in us, even if they don't feel pleasant at the time. 

As someone who's undergone countless trials, I will tell you that none of them were particularly enjoyable (I honestly felt some of them would break me), but they were productive in building up my faith and critical in helping me grow closer to and more like Christ. And to say that my love for Him grew through the trials would be an understatement! For that, I wholeheartedly thank God every day for my past trials and have vowed to rejoice in my future ones (even if they aren't pleasant) knowing that God will use them for my good and for His glory in ways I may only understand in retrospect. 

As you can see then, trials can prove a wonderful work of God in us. This was something Charles Spurgeon understood as well, leading him to write, "I have looked back to times of trial with a kind of longing, not to have them return, but to feel the strength of God as I have felt it then, to feel the power of faith, as I have felt it then, to hang upon God’s powerful arm as I hung upon it then, and to see God at work as I saw him then.”

So, get comfortable with being uncomfortable and consider it pure joy when (not if) you face trials my friend. They certainly won't feel pleasant at the time but what they produce in you will always be worth the pain. 

 
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that a believers trials are always used for good. Lord, help us to understand this especially when we don’t understand our situations, that we might patiently endure the tests and look to You for comfort and peace until the time of testing passes and we can look back and see the finished product. Help us to embrace trials knowing they make us more like You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Put on the New Self

“to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV

In a story titled “RUNNERS TACKLE 'KRISPY KREME CHALLENGE' FOR CHARITY: 5 MILES AND 12 DONUTS” published Saturday, the writer said:

2400 calories, a dozen donuts, 5 miles, and one hour.

Hundreds of people gathered at the NC State Memorial Belltower to run 2.5 miles to the Krispy Kreme at Peace and Person Streets, to then eat 12 donuts, and turn around and run back.

"It's not fun on the way back, that's for sure, it's donuts in the stomach that don't want to stay down there, that's for sure," one veteran runner told us.

His strategy: drink water while you're eating the donuts.

Others came along for moral support, and maybe a little gastronomic rescue. "We're just going to keep an eye on him just in case I need to resuscitate him pump his stomach or something we're here for support," said Kendra Bland.

One by one, dodging the elements, and queasy stomachs to enjoy a sweet win at the finish line.

In the end, not just a rite of passage, but a good cause that sees 100% of the profits go to support the UNC Children's Hospital.

And, you know, when it comes to rites of passage intended for good, biblical rites of passage can be defined as significant events marking spiritual, emotional, or physical transitions from one life stage to another--often celebrating a shift into maturity, responsibility, or a deeper covenant relationship with God.

Which means every believer that desires a deeper relationship with God must willingly undergo the rite of passage of putting off their old self and then putting on their new self, “created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Believers must throw off or lay aside their former, corrupt, and dishonest way of life and sinful habits and be "renewed in the spirit" of their minds. Which means there must be a constant, spiritual transformation of one's thoughts, attitudes, and mindset. This involves believers to embrace a new, God-like nature characterized by true righteousness and holiness.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

In this way, they show themselves to be "a new creation" and not merely a refurbished one since "the old has passed away,” meaning it’s completely gone, and "the new has come." It can be described as a daily process of changing "clothes,” where the old, corrupt self is replaced by the new nature given by Christ. Is that awesome or what? It's further proof that a person can indeed escape from their "deceitful desires" and old patterns of life when they're willing to fully surrender their lives to Jesus.

So, don't buy into the lie that you were born a certain way, or destined to continue in a pattern of sin because that's the way you've been for so long my friend. God can make you new if you are willing to put off your old self and put on your new self that is found in Jesus Christ. And trust me when I say this… you’ll love the new self!

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that a person doesn't have to remain as they are but can change by the power of Jesus Christ.  Help us to share this message of hope with the world Lord so that those held in bondage by their sinful thought patterns or actions might find the will and the power to break their chains and live a righteous life in You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Prominence Won’t Save You

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

In a story titled “Olympic runner Sha’Carri Richardson pleads not guilty in super speeder case in Orange County,” published by News 6 Wednesday, it was reported that Sha’Carri Richardson was arrested last week after a deputy said she was going 104 mph in a 65 mph zone on State Road 429.

The deputy said she was also flashing the lights on her Aston Martin to get other drivers out of her way, and making unsafe lane changes, according to an arrest affidavit.

In body-camera footage released last week, the deputy is heard telling Richardson that she even cut him off at one point. The track star can be heard in the video apologizing profusely.

“I did not mean to do that. My phone, I didn’t even know my car was speeding,” Richardson said. She also told the deputy that her back tire was underinflated, which contributed to her speeding…

Richardson’s excessive-speeding charge stems from a new Florida law passed last year that makes it a criminal offense to drive at 100 mph or more in a manner that endangers people or property.

Richardson obtained prominence after she took gold for the 100m at the 2023 World Championships and the Olympic relay in 2024.

And, you know, while Richardson might have held “prominence” at one time, this gifted runner has definitely had a fall from grace as this story shows. And despite her best attempts to apologize and make justifications for breaking the law so as to avoid the consequences of her wrongdoing, she was rightfully arrested anyway. Richardson later pled not guilty, in spite of the overwhelming evidence against her.

In the same way, spiritually speaking, no matter what prominence we might hold in society or justifications we might try to make for our wrongdoings or sins against God, the overwhelming and irrefutable evidence against us shows that each and every one of us is guilty of breaking God’s laws. And despite our pleas of “not guilty,” because "the wages of sin is death," we are all deserving of the death sentence 

Thankfully, though, Jesus paid the debt we owed and through Him, God, the Righteous Judge, offers us eternal life instead of the sentence our breaking of His law truly deserves. Is that amazing or what? When we place our trust in Christ, we aren’t even placed on probation!

“as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” Psalm 103:12

In fact, we aren't even left with a rap sheet or criminal record! When we humbly choose to trust in Jesus as our Savior and make him Lord of our lives, God removes our transgressions as far as the east is from the west. That means our records are wiped clean! We are made righteous and justified (just as we've never sinned) by the blood of Jesus Christ.

So, in light of God’s great mercy, choose to live on fire for Him today and every day my friend. Choose to boldly proclaim, “If He did it for me, He can do it for you!” There’s no better way to show your thankfulness and to inspire a lost world to seek the only One who can wipe away their sins and give them a new life.

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us that no status or prominence in this life will save us from the consequences of our sin. We are only saved and set free from the penalty of death because of the sacrifice of your Son. In light of that, cause us to surrender our lives to You in gratitude. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus, amen.

Happy Running!

Beware of Seeker Friendly Churches

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV

In a story titled “Run here: Huntsville designated as Runner Friendly Community” published by City Blog on Tuesday, the writer said:

Runners in Huntsville can tell you and the Road Runners Club of America has confirmed it: Huntsville is a Runner Friendly Community.

Whether you prefer to use Runna, Strava, Nike Run Club or another of the many great run training and race apps, the runner-friendly designation validates runners in Huntsville can log miles with confidence. The RRCA’s Runner Friendly Community program recognizes communities that excel in supporting runners and encourages others to follow their lead. Runner Friendly Communities promote active lifestyles, enhance livability and deliver lasting social and economic benefits.“We (runners) are all so proud to live in a city that is willing to collaborate with these groups to help put on races and events for the running community, as well as create parks and greenway systems that we hope will continue to expand and improve,” Huntsville Track Club President Mica Anderson said.

Anderson went on to say, “I feel that this designation puts a spotlight on all the collaborative efforts of the entire running community: the city, local running clubs, group-run organizers, race organizers, runner-friendly businesses and all the individual runners who lace up their shoes every day to go for a run.”

And, you know, as this story illustrates, designations shine a spotlight on how a town or region differs from others. Being designated as a “Runner Friendly Community,” then is a good thing because it tells people that the locality has proven themselves to excel in supporting runners by promoting active lifestyles, enhancing livability and delivering lasting social and economic benefits.

In the same way, being designated as a seeker-friendly church also shines a spotlight on what the organization is all about and how it differs from the church as God intended it to be. And the distinction is not good. 

You see, the Bible is very clear that "the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,” hence the reason seeker-friendly churches water it down and use other methods to draw people in. But "to us who are being saved it is the power of God,” hence the reason we refuse to compromise on it no matter how offensive it might be. 

To understand this more clearly, check out Got Questions'  answer to the question "Should churches be seeker friendly?"

Of course churches should be friendly toward seekers. We are to be friendly to seekers no matter the location. But, being friendly, even welcoming, to seekers, is not what the seeker-friendly church movement is all about. Many evangelical church leaders these days have redesigned both their church buildings and their services in an effort to bring more people through their doors. This is, in a nutshell, the essence of a “seeker-friendly” church—offering worldly allurements to attract the multitudes. The proponents of the seeker-friendly church claim to be doing whatever is necessary to “reach the lost.” The fallacy with that kind of thinking is that “the lost” are not seeking God at all. The Bible says that “no one seeks for God” (Romans 3:11). This means there is no such thing as an unbeliever who is truly seeking for God on his own. Furthermore, man is dead in his sin (Ephesians 2:1), and he can’t seek God because he doesn’t recognize his need for Him.

But there are lots of people who are seeking to be entertained and assured that God loves them, despite their sin and ungodly lifestyles. There are many who seek a form of religion, and if the goal of the seeker-friendly churches is to fill seats with these people, it appears to be working. Growth in many of these establishments is staggering indeed. Some of the larger ones will usher in tens of thousands of attendees for weekend services alone. With annual budgets reaching well into the millions of dollars, many of these edifices are more likely to resemble a large corporate office than a church. That is why you’re less likely to find stained glass windows than a coffee shop, gift shop, bookstore or even a basketball court. Some even have swimming pools and bowling alleys! To leaders of these churches, the Great Commission has essentially become more of a marketing scheme, with the use of surveys and studies to determine which enticements are needed to “reel them in,” and then to cater to their appetites by giving them what they want.

Another problem with the seeker-friendly movement is that in their desire to please every itching ear, these churches have relegated God and His Word to the back pews, ensuring that no one is offended by the truth. The great doctrines of the faith have been deemed “divisive” and shelved. Sadly, many of these churches are flourishing these days because they have reshaped the gospel into the kind of “product” buyers are willing to tolerate. The bottom line is that these churches have placed the focus on man, not on God where it belongs. And God’s Word cannot be recast to conform to the needs of a consumer-driven culture. God never intended for His Church to be cozy and comfortable. But there is nothing comfortable about the truth, which Hebrews 4:12 describes as “sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

The message received by those attending seeker-friendly churches too often is that the Christian life is one of ease and comfort and free from conflict. However, this is certainly not the life that Christ’s followers are to expect. Jesus told us “in this world we would have trouble” (John 16:33) and that we could expect to be persecuted (Matthew 5:11–12, 44; 10:23; 13:21; Mark 10:30; John 15:20) and even hated (John 15:18) on account of following Him. And when Jesus said, “Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:38; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23), He meant that one must be willing to give his life in order to follow Him. Look at what preaching the truth of Christ got Paul—flogged, beaten, stoned, imprisoned, and run out of the country many times! Yet this devout servant of Christ still said, “We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9). He further taught us to “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [us] heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

The apostle Paul told us the time would come when men would not put up with sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3). However, with over 70 percent of adults under age 25 thinking all beliefs are equally valid (according to Barna Research), sound doctrine is exactly what is needed. It is the Word of God that plants the seed for the new birth (1 Peter 1:23), and the Word must be taught for the purpose of “teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17) and for taking the true message out into the world (Matthew 28:19–20).

So, steer clear of seeker-friendly churches my friend. Seek instead to do your part in making heaven full by preaching the Gospel undiluted and uncompromised that you might reach a lost world in desperate need of the Truth. It’s certainly not the easy way but it’s the only way.

Heavenly Father, thank You for this timely reminder that we are never to compromise the Word for the sake of making it appealing to the world. Help us to be loving but bold and steadfast in our preaching and doctrine that we might never be labeled as seeker-friendly Lord, but be known as Bible-preaching and soul reaching. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!