The Mountains are His

"I will make each of My mountains a road, And My highways shall be elevated." Isaiah 49:11 NKJV

In a story titled “Elite Mountain Runner Crushes Fastest Known Time on Grand Teton” published by Sports Illustrated earlier this week, it was reported that “One of the most technical mountain trail running routes in North America has a new Fastest Known Time, set by La Sportiva athlete Jane Maus, who covered the challenging [14.5 mile] route in 3 hours and 45 minutes.” The writer went on to say, “On August 22nd, Jane Maus crushed one of the grandest records in mountain running when she set the FKT running to the 13,775-foot summit of Wyoming’s Grand Teton, and back to the valley start. The feat took her 3 hours and 45 minutes. Maus’s time eclipsed Jazmine Lowther’s 4:06 time, which was run just three days earlier. Demanding technical mountain skills, climbing over 7,000 feet from the valley floor, filled with treacherous no-fall zones, makes this unsupported record time all the more remarkable."

And while climbing a mountain of that height and technicality is indeed remarkable (I mean how many people could ever do that?), what's even "more remarkable" is that God owns each and every mountain, calling them “My mountains.” You can be sure then, that since every mountain belongs to God, He can do with each mountain whatever He wills... even making those mountains into a road to facilitate the way for the return of his people to Israel. 

I don't know about you but that made me smile because I know a thing or two about climbing mountains. Not that I've ever scaled the Grant Tetons, but I've ascended and descended enough smaller mountains throughout the years to know that getting up and over them is never easy. This is even more true spiritually speaking when we consider that mountains are often used as metaphors for the trials and obstacles that every believer will face in their lives. And let me assure you that it’s not a matter of if you will face trials, but when.

"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." 

Romans 5:3-4

Furthermore, the Bible makes it clear that mountains (trials and tribulations) aren’t randomly placed in our way to make our lives harder but to make us more like Jesus! That means, with God, mountains serve a purpose. And that purpose is to grow us... to produce "perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." That is why we can "glory in tribulations" and praise God when the mountains in our life appear to be ill-timed, unscalable, and uncrossable. At the right time, God can and will make each of our mountains a road because that’s what He does!

And you can believe that this promise is for every true follower of Jesus Christ. That means, in the words of Pastor Alan Redpath, "There is no exception in that great, but little word, all. There is nothing in life – no obstacle, no loneliness, no trial, no sorrow – which may not be a way into God’s richest blessing. There is no situation of entanglement, nothing that you can possibly conceive, but this can be part of God’s way to make His mountain a way of deliverance. [When you make] the commitment of your life to Jesus Christ without reservation, then you can go to meet your mountains and meet obstacles in Jesus – not to meet them outside Him, but in Christ. If you do that, then the mountain between you and God’s land of blessing becomes the way into it.”

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

John 3:16

So, if you’re staring at a mountain today and wondering if God even cares, let me remind you that God indeed cares my friend! He sent His only begotten Son to prove how much he cares! Keep running the race, keep looking to Him, and keep trusting that, at the right time, God will make that mountain into a road and make a way where there seems to be no way. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that believers never experience trials and tribulations in vain. They always work to develop our perseverance, character, and trust. Help us to understand this that we might not become downcast when we encounter the mountains of life. Help us to trust your timing to walk us through them Lord that we might find joy in the suffering. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Be Quick to Comfort and Encourage

“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NKJV

“Look at these beautiful people (Larry and Melissa Sharp) we were blessed to see at the Mizzou Orthopedic Hospital in Columbia! God’s timing is perfect! We hope that brother Larry receives good news (most importantly God’s will) in regard to his broke down knees.” Those were the words my dear friend Sherri posted to Facebook shortly after we “just so happened” to run into one another as her husband was coming out from his consultation and my husband was going in. Of course you know we hugged!! What are the chances of that happening anyway?

Well, if you’re a believer, the chances are very good! You see, God loves us so much that He personally arranges meeting such as the one we had (pictured above) so believers can mutually comfort, encourage, edify, build up, and lift one another up at just the right time. Is that amazing or what?

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’”

John 16:33

To truly understand the priceless value of encouragement, we need look no further than the example Jesus gave us after He told the disciples that they would have trials and tribulations in this world. Notice that He didn’t sugar coat the truth? Jesus was very clear that being a believer wouldn’t exempt them (or us) from pain and suffering, but.. He then encouraged the disciples with the words, ”be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” These words of hope and assured victory are still bringing peace and encouragement to believers around the world today and are the reason so many downtrodden saints were able and are able to press on. Words have that much power!

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.”

Proverbs 16:24

So, knowing that pleasant words have the power to lift up spirits and give health to the bones, look for opportunities to lift up another brother or sister today my friend. Pray for them and then be ready to share what God’s Word says about our trials… namely Romans 8:28 that says “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” This is another promise millions of saints have clung to. I know I have.

In fact, as we drove home from the hospital after the bittersweet news that my sweet Larry would need a left knee replacement and would not be allowed to run again (something we’ve enjoyed doing together for many years), my husband and I talked about this promise and then we praised God for all the runs He had given us!! Oh what beautiful memories we have from the hundreds of times we ran together and the countless miles we were able to share! And then we praised God again for the news that Larry could still speed walk!! And bike! This meant we could still enjoy our time together outside... just in a different way. And we are excited to see the doors this will open to spread the Gospel!

God indeed works ALL things together for the good of those who love Him as the Scriptures say! This is a promise that lifted our spirits and a promise that we are standing on! Won’t you encourage someone with those words today?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the many promises in the Bible that serve to lift our spirits and comfort us. Help us to commit them to memory Lord so that we would be able to edify our brothers and sisters when they are in need of encouragement. Help us to be people known as encouragers and people of faith that not only share your promises but trust wholeheartedly in your promises. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Take Illumination Seriously

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let’s get started by talking about something that will becoming increasingly important in the coming days, weeks, and months leading up to Bass Pro Marathon weekend and the Dogwood Canyon Trail Runs weekend… Illumination.

 
This was something I was thinking about yesterday as I got out an hour earlier than usual for my morning run. And let me tell you it was dark! So dark, in fact, that I couldn’t even see my hand in front of my face without the use of my headlamp. “And so it begins,” I thought to myself. With the sun coming up later and going down sooner, it’s time to get those illumination devices charged. 

Now, I say devices rather than device because not only do I own many different types of runner lights (some to see and some to be seen), I use different ones for different occasions. With that being said, check out my personal recommendations below and then check out this link at Runner’s World (that includes some of my favorites) that will shed more “light” on the subject (like that pun?). 

Without further ado then, here are my two favorites that are worn “to see…”

1. Headlamp

I am currently using the SLONIK headlamp and have been for several years. . And while I’ve never found a headlamp that I can say that I love (I also refuse to spend a fortune seeking out the perfect one) I do like this one a lot for a few reasons: It’s rechargeable. It’s 1000 Lumens. It’s waterproof and is bright up to 60 feet. You can also order extra batteries, which works great when you’re running through the night as you can simply replace the battery when needed. Carrying a few batteries is way easier than packing a few extra headlamps.

2. Chest Lamp
I’ve been using the AVANTO Triple Beam Chest Lamp for several years. It’s not as bright as the headlamp but is rechargeable and has 500 Lumens which is sufficient because of the placement on the chest. It can be angled to your suiting. On a side note, when you wear the chest lamp and the head lamp at the same time, it really lights up the course, which is awesome when you’re on technical trails or uneven pavement. The best part about the chest lamp? It fits into the category of “to see” and “to be seen” as it has a blinking light on the back.

Now on to the category of “to be seen,” I’m a fan of the Noxgear Tracer. It’s a little pricey but is rechargeable, which means it will eventually pay for itself when you consider the cost of batteries over time. There are cheaper options but I haven’t personally tried them. If you have, please let me know how you like them! That’s one thing about runner gear… personal reviews and recommendations are priceless and I love sharing them.

 
So, know that we’ve gotten serious about illumination which will keep you safe on those early morning or late night training runs, check out these additional tips for avoiding danger so you’ll be able to step up to the start line this November.

 
Choose a Safe Route and Environment

• Stick to well-lit and familiar routes: Avoid shortcuts or unfamiliar paths when you’re running in the dark. When you can, stick to areas with streetlights. This won’t always eliminate the need for personal lighting sources but will help you see the road under you. 
• Run with a group: Running with friends can enhance safety and deter potential threats. It can also help hold you accountable as the temptation to stay in bed rises as light diminishes.
• Avoid potentially hazardous areas: Stay away from bushes, hedges, and wooded areas where you're less likely to be seen and more prone to accidents.

Enhance Your Situational Awareness

• Run against traffic: When running on roads, always face oncoming vehicles so you can see them coming and react accordingly.
• Stay alert and avoid earbuds: Minimize distractions by not using earbuds, which can prevent you from hearing approaching traffic or other potential dangers.
• Pay attention to surfaces: Be mindful of black ice or other hazards on sidewalks and roads that can cause slips and falls. 

Share Your Plans

• Tell someone your route: Let a friend or family member know your planned route and expected return time so they can establish a timeline if you go missing. 
• Carry your phone: Keep a phone with you to call for help in an emergency.

And there you have it friends. Fall is almost here! Which means it’s the best time of the year to train (in my humble opinion of course) for marathon or half-marathon. And you won’t want to get sidelined by the darker mornings and evenings! So take illumination and safety seriously as you get out there and get in those training runs, remembering that every mile covered is preparing you for the start line. Happy Running!

Conditions are Rarely Perfect

“He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.” Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NKJV)

In a story published by the Livingston County News out of New York over the weekend, it was reported that “John Schnitter of Geneseo won the Oak Tree Half Marathon while also setting a new age group record in the process. More than 500 runners finished the 21st Oak Tree Half Marathon & 5K races that took place Aug. 31 through the town of village of Geneseo. Race Director Ben Gajewski, who is also executive director of the Genesee Valley Conservancy describes race conditions as perfect and noted that several new records were set.”

As a longtime runner and race director, I can tell you that it comes as no surprise that several new records were set. And I’m sure the runners were ecstatic! Because one thing is certain in the world of running, race day conditions are never certain.  Which makes "perfect" conditions rare to say the least. And while I personally have never NOT stepped up to the start line because race day conditions were less than perfect, I know many runners who frequently bow out of races they’ve trained and paid for if their chances of success are slim due to the conditions, or if it appears that the weather will cause excessive suffering.

Unfortunately, waiting for "perfect" conditions is not something only runners do though. Many believers are guilty of this as well. This was something Solomon observed that led him to say “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.” Solomon understood that the person who is waiting for the perfect conditions or the perfect timing (always looking around for the winds to change or looking up at the sky for a flawless forecast), to do something will never step out and begin to do anything… and will therefore never fulfill their God-given calling. 

“ If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” 

Colossians 3:1-2

I don’t know about you, but I find that very sad considering that there is so much joy to be found in serving the Lord (so much joy!). But this is the deal... when a person keeps their hearts and minds set on the things of this world, they will always find a reason—or an excuse—as to why “now” is not the right time to step out and obey the Lord. This is a sure way to delay (at best) or completely prevent (at worst) the harvest the Lord wants a person to receive. You see, the one who waits for certainty in an uncertain world will certainly wait… and may never find the conditions perfect enough to step up to the start line. Which is the very reason believers must keep their hearts and minds set on the things above... viewing everything through an eternal lens and being obedient to the calling God has placed on their lives, no matter how imperfect the conditions might be or how slim their chance of success might seem. When God says "Go!" believers must go!

 

“Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”

 Luke 1:38 

There is perhaps no better story about bad timing or conditions that were less than perfect than the story of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. To say that it was not a good time for Mary to be pregnant with Jesus, would be an understatement. As an unwed, pregnant teenage girl living in a society where such a situation brought shame, judgment, and the threat of severe punishment, Mary knew that the road ahead would not be easy. But Mary had her heart and mind fixed on things above, and not on the earth. So, when the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would conceive a Son  (not just any son but the Son of God!) that would be called Jesus, Mary didn't hesitate to say, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And because of Mary's immediate obedience, she fulfilled her God-given purpose and had the awesome privilege of giving birth to the Savior of the world. 

“In the morning sow your seed, And in the evening do not withhold your hand; For you do not know which will prosper, Either this or that, Or whether both alike will be good.” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭11‬:‭6‬ ‭

So, when the Lord calls you to do something, do it my friend. Don't wait for the right time or the perfect conditions either because chances are, the perfect conditions will never come! And don't waste time looking around or looking up. Set your heart and mind on things above today and say, "I am your servant Lord. I will do as you say. In the morning I will sow my seed, even when there’s no chance of rain, and in the evening I will be found busy as well, praying that You will bring in the harvest.” Now that won't mean the road ahead will be easy (because it won’t) but it will mean that you'll reap rewards far greater than you could ever imagine. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our obedience always comes with rewards. Lord, help us to see things through an eternal lens that we would step out to do the impossible the moment You tell us to move. Remind us that life is short Lord and that we don't have time to wait for the conditions to be perfect. As your Word tells us... the harvest is ripe but the workers are few. Compel us to be those workers who go out to bring in the harvest no matter what conditions we are faced with. Help us to rejoice in our sufferings and to count it all joy when we encounter trials! It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Labor with your Whole Heart

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV

In a story titled “After 2 Straight DNFs, Tom Evans Overcomes Blizzard-Like Conditions to Win First UTMB Title” the writer said “Turns out, the third time running the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc certainly was the charm for Tom Evans, even if the weather was decidedly not. The 33-year-old former British army officer battled rain, snow, and sleet, a strong field of international runners, and about 31,000 feet of elevation gain and loss on the weather-shortened 103-mile race around the Mont Blanc massif on Friday and Saturday, en route to winning in 19 hours, 18 minutes and 58 seconds. Following his win, Tom said “My goals today weren’t to win. My goals today were to be able to look at myself in the mirror after the race and be proud of what I’ve achieved.”

And, you know, in honor of the celebration of Labor Day today, you and I would do well to give thanks as we rest from our work and then stop to consider whether our goals honor the Lord, which must always be a higher objective than winning. You see, at the end of the day, our bodies are not our own. The Bible is very clear that we were “bought at a price” and, in light of that amazing truth (that God gave up his one and only Son to redeem us from our sins), are to “honor God” with our bodies, acknowledging that we belong to Him.

 

“set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” 2 Corinthians 1:22 NIV

In fact, you and I not only belong to the Lord but we “are temples of the Holy Spirit” whom we have received from God! Do the blessings abound or what? God not only redeemed us but “set his seal of ownership on us” putting his Spirit in “our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” How can we not, then, honor God with our bodies since they belong to Him? This means we have no right to be idle with, or wasteful of, what belongs to Him… which is our time, talents, and treasures. Our bodies should be put to use glorifying God using all that He has given us—something that should be our biggest goal when choosing both our vocations and our hobbies.

 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

And, as new creations in Christ, you can be sure that our acts of honor and worship (and that’s what every pursuit of ours ultimately is) should not be done half-heartedly but with our whole hearts since to give God anything less than our best is a sin. Spurgeon said it this way, “Your body was a willing horse when it was in the service of the devil, let it not be a sluggish hack now that it draws the chariot of Christ.”

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters," Colossians 3:23 NIV

So, whatever you do, work at it with all your heart my friend, as working for the Lord, and not for human masters. Choose pursuits that honor God and use all that He has given you in service back to Him. Can you just imagine how many people would be inspired to seek the Lord if every believer did that?  

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are not our own so that we would make the best use of our time, talents, and treasures… working to produce fruit that will have eternal value. Lord, help us to see that everything we do is to be done to honor You and to inspire the lost to seek You. Show us areas in our life God that fail to live up to that standard and help us to work hard so that we would be able to look at ourselves in the mirror at the end of each day and smile… knowing that our day was spent in service to you. Help us to understand that winning in life means living a life that has eternal value. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 
Happy Running!

Purposely Seek Encounters

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV

In a story titled “Boilermaker Runner Recovers From Rare Deer Injury & Is Back Running” published yesterday, it was reported that “During the Boilermaker 15K Road Race, a registered runner had an unexpected encounter with a deer that resulted in injuries. Thankfully, the woman has fully recovered and has already returned to running, showing incredible resilience. While respecting her privacy, she asked the Boilermaker committee to share her heartfelt thanks with everyone who helped during the incident. She is especially grateful to the fellow runners who stopped to assist her on the course, the EMS and medical teams who provided fast and professional care, and the entire Boilermaker community for their support and concern. Spectators say the deer darted out suddenly from the trees and collided with the runner, knocking them to the ground. While unusual, animal encounters during outdoor races are not entirely unheard of, especially in areas where courses pass through natural habitats.” The writer sent on to say that “This was her first time participating in the Boilermaker, and as she is not a local resident, the experience was all the more memorable. The Boilermaker organization extends an open invitation to her and her family to come back to Utica and experience the race in full, in what they hope will be a positive and fulfilling way.’”

To the Chief Musician. A Contemplation of the sons of Korah. As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.” Psalm 42:1 NKJV

And while unexpected encounters between runners and deer are rare (thankfully so!), divine encounters (alone time when you can feel God’s presence) with the Lord should not be. Especially for believers. But, according to research by the Pew Institute, only 44% of people polled said they pray daily and only 30% go to church at least once a month. Which means very few people seek divine encounters! Especially daily. It’s no wonder then that the world is in the state it’s in. Without God, we have no moral compass or clear direction. Which is the very reason we must pursue divine encounters in the same way the deer pursues water brooks, remembering that only those who seek God find Him, and only when they search for Him with their whole heart.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28

And you can be sure that this pursuit has its rewards. Not only do we get to experience the very presence of God when we seek Him through the pages of the Bible and by prayer and meditation, but we can lay down our burdens and find the rest we so desperately need. Hence the reason the psalmist declared “As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.” In the dry, desert land that the psalmist lived in, water was scarce. Which meant, the more time the deer was away from the water source, the more the deer panted and longed to get back to it.

So, if it’s been a while since you purposely sought an encounter with the Lord, remember this my friend... In the same way the Boilermaker race extended an invitation to the injured runner and her family to “come back” and experience the race in full, God extends an invitation to everyone to "come back" and experience His presence in full. He invites all those who "labor and are heavy laden" to purposely seek an encounter with Him. If that's you today, won't you come back? You'll be so glad you did!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the open invitation you extend to all those who are burdened and weighed down with the cares of life, and those who are thirsty for the living water, to come back to you. If anyone reading this has strayed and not felt your Presence in a while or never before Lord, I pray today is the day they purposely seek You with their whole heart and find You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Be in the Know about Spiritual CPR

"Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight—That You may be found just then You speak, And blameless when You judge." Psalm 51:1-4 NKJV

In a story published by channel 8 News in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Tuesday, it was reported that “Thanks to fellow racers and first responders, a Michigan runner is alive after falling into cardiac arrest during a race. The Genesis County Sheriff’s Office says a man named Paul from Grand Blanc went into cardiac arrest on Saturday during the eighth mile of the 10-mile run at the Crim Festival of Races in Flint. Almost immediately after going down, other runners started CPR on Paul. Paramedics staged at the race took over and he was rushed to a nearby hospital to be stabilized. “We couldn’t have done it without the other race participants, the health care providers on the course, that provided very quick bystander CPR and were able to start that continuing care that got Paul all the way to Hurley Medical Center,” Sgt. Sean Clayton said in a social media video. The GCSO also shared video of a deputy presenting Paul with his race medal, informing him that they picked up where he left off and finished the race for him. Both Clayton and emergency physician Dr. Ryan Reece at Hurley Medical Center shared the story to emphasize the importance of knowing CPR. “You could be the difference in somebody’s life,” Reece said. “You can save a life today by doing that.’” Wow right? As this story shows, a cardiac emergency can occur at any time, to any person, and without any warning. Hence the reason everyone should be ‘in the know’ about the importance of CPR and be willing to act.

And, you know, the same can be said in our spiritual lives. When we encounter someone experiencing the kind of spiritual heart trouble (sin) that leads to sudden cardiac arrest (unrepentant sin) without intervention, we must be in the know about the need for CPR and be willing to act quickly to save someone from spiritual death. 

The prophet Samuel understood the consequences of unrepentant sin and so gave us the example to follow in 2 Samuel 12 when he confronted King David about his transgression with Bathsheba, and the subsequent murder of her husband that David ordered to cover up the affair. Because of Samuel’s boldness, courage, and love for David, David was alerted to the state of his heart and chose to self-administer spiritual CPR before he faced cardiac arrest and potential spiritual death.

 
And this self-administered CPR that we see in Psalm 51 began with David’s plea for mercy followed by his Confession “For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me..." The next step was to Posture himself appropriately before the Lord saying, “Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight.” David lowered himself to a position of deep humility and made no excuses for what he had done, bowing as a king before the King of kings. 

“Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.” Psalm 51:11-14

And the last step in this self-administered process of spiritual CPR? Repentance. David turned from his sinful ways and turned back to God. This act of total surrender and penitence completely softened his heart, thereby reviving his once numbed conscience to the point where it was again tender, sensitive, and deeply convicted. So much so that he then pleaded with the Lord to deliver him from the guilt of bloodshed that he now felt, guilt that deeply plagued his soul, despite being forgiven for his sin. 

 

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart—These, O God, You will not despise.” Psalm 51:17

 
As you can see then, David’s self-administered CPR not only restored his relationship with the Lord (keep in mind that it didn’t free David from the consequences of his sin) but left him with a broken and contrite heart that could once again address God as “The God of my salvation.” Can you just imagine the joy that was restored to David after being thoroughly washed from his iniquities and cleansed from his sin? Spiritual CPR brought his heart back to life! 

So, if you see a friend in danger of going into cardiac arrest, speak up my friend. Urge them to Confess their sins before the Lord, assume a Position of humility and contrition, and then Repent of their ways. Doing so might be uncomfortable but it will save them from spiritual death. And, believe me when I say this... the person that repents will thank you later!

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we must be bold when we see a brother or sister persisting in unrepentant sin. Help us to love others so much that we would risk our friendships at the expense of leading them down the road to repentance by following the example of Samuel and pointing out their need for self-administered CPR. Lord, help us to be obedient when you call us to speak up knowing that we just might save someone's life by doing so. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!