The greatest comeback of all time

"There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." Matthew 28:2-6 NIV

On April 16, 2016, Phil Healy, an Irish Collegiate runner, made one of the most stunning comebacks in racing history. As Healy grabbed the baton to run the last leg of the women's 4x400 relay, her University of College Cork team was in fifth place and almost a quarter of a lap behind the leader. And when she started off at a modest jog, the team looked destined to lose. But the announcers suddenly noticed Healy picking up the pace and speeding by her competitors compelling them to report, "UCC from the depths of hell are powering through." To the amazement of the crowd Healy zoomed past the other runners in the final straightaway crossing barely a second ahead of the closest runner to claim victory. One of the announcers couldn't help but shout, "Ahhhhh! It's unbelievable. That is unbelievable!"

And while that was quite a comeback for sure, the Bible tells us of an even greater one, the most unbelievable comeback in all history. You see all hope had been lost that "Good Friday" when Jesus seemingly surrendered to death. And when his body was placed in the tomb and sealed by a big stone, his fate and that of the world seemed certain... death had won. But then it happened! "There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it...and the angel said to the women, "He is not here; he has risen just as he said." He has risen!!! Now how is that for a comeback?

So today as we prepare to celebrate Easter, let us remember the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus paid on the cross and rejoice in the victory over death that it brought when He rose from the dead. Oh hallelujah friends! He is risen indeed!!

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to die for our sins that there might be victory over death once and for all. May we never forget what this cost and the pain Jesus endured for each and every one of us. And in the midst of the COVID pandemic may we turn to Him like never before and boldly step up our efforts to invite the lost to do the same. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Death was arrested - North Point InsideOut

Make the choice today

"Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.'" Luke 23:42-43 NLT

Anick Jesdanun, a longtime journalist for the Associated Press and avid runner who had completed more than 80 marathons and whose friends and family described as "the picture of health" unexpectedly died on April 2 at the age of 51 as a result of the coronavirus. According to his cousin, Prinda Malpramook, Anick tested positive for the virus but did not require hospitalization. "Perhaps the most frightening part of his story is how he had been recovering over a string of days. A doctor’s visit even confirmed his vitals were good and his lungs were clear." Mulpramook said that while Jesdanun showed signs of recovery, on April 2 he went to the emergency room because he was having trouble breathing. “Then there was a sudden setback — and in almost the blink of an eye he was admitted to the hospital and passed away later that same day."

And you know, as this virus has proven time and again, death could come anywhere at anytime and to anyone... seemingly in the blink of an eye. And while that’s most definitely a frightening thought, it's even more so for those who don't know Christ because they have no assurance of what will happen after death. But as the penitent sinner on the cross hanging next to Jesus came to discover that Easter weekend more than 2,000 years ago, no matter what a person has done, if they choose to accept Jesus as their Savior - even in the last moment before death - they can have the blessed assurance that they will enter into paradise. The same blessed assurance that every believer has. 

But if your plan is to to live your life as you please and then accept Jesus when you feel death is near after you've had your worldly fun, be careful my friend. There are a million ways other than contracting the coronovirus that you could die in the blink of an eye. And if that happens, there will not be another chance to make the decision that will determine where you spend eternity. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for being the God of second chances. Thank you for loving us so much that you would allow us to enter Heaven at the lost possible moment. If there is anyone putting off their decision today, my fervent hope is that they would pray this prayer... Lord, I confess that I am a sinner in need of grace. I believe that your son, Jesus, was crucified for the forgiveness of my sins and that He rose again on the third day. I accept you as my Lord and Savior at this very moment and pray that you would dwell in my heart. It's in your precious name I pray this. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Remember me - Kutless

MIDWEEK MOTIVATION Keeping a good perspective

Hello runner friends! Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series 

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog of which I am blessed to write. Now let's get started by talking about Perspective! 

Many years ago while training for my third Boston Marathon, I developed peroneal tendonitis. After trying to train through the pain for a while I finally accepted defeat and sought medical help. "No running for six weeks," the doctor told me. "And you'll need to wear a walking boot." With seven weeks until the big race, my optimistic attitude soon changed to a somber one. I could be healed in time to run but wouldn't be properly trained if I took that much time off. 

So, here's the deal.... every one of us will get injured. It's just the way it is. And if we don't miss out on a race because of injury, there are a million other reasons we may have to sit one out. And here's where a change of perspective can be just what we need. 

Consider this... had I chosen to wallow in my self pity, I never would have listened to a fellow runner's advice to do all my training in a pool. I would have the endurance to finish the race, she had told me, but it would be painful as my body would not be used to the pounding and I would start hurting early on. I knew then that a positive attitude would be crucial - and doesn't every runner know that a good attitude can be the difference in finishing or giving up? Thank God I was able to finish the race in my slowest marathon up to that date and learned something amazing along the way from a wise "friend" I met on the course. And here's a bit of the story I wrote after that day.... At the infamous Heartbreak Hill, I had had enough, or should I say my legs had screamed surrender. After already having alternated between running and walking twenty miles due to an injury, I had slowed down to only a walk. Oh boy, this was going to be a long and hard last 6.2 miles I thought to myself. Then, from behind, I heard a man say, "Perspective." "Excuse me", I said to which he replied, "It's all about perspective. You see, you think you are only walking but if you step it up a bit like so (as he demonstrated) and imagine you are running, your mind will catch on and you will be running. Let me show you." And just like that, my new friend from Hong Kong and I were running! This new perspective got us to the finish line a bit quicker but, more importantly, had me once again counting my blessings.

So let me encourage you friends! Whether your training plan has been cut short or altered by COVID, by injury or by anything else, now is not the time to throw in the towel but to change your perspective. And if perspective can be defined as a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something, your point of view can make a huge difference in whether you are successful or not. So what are some great reasons to keep a good outlook? 

• Because what we perceive to be our biggest obstacles can also lead to our biggest successes! What do I mean by that? All those weeks and hours in the pool aqua running by myself gave me the mental toughness I would need the next year to complete two 100-mile races. How's that for using a perceived bad situation for good???

• Because choosing to keep a bad attitude can keep you from a changed direction that may alter your life or the life of someone else. Consider this, choosing to look for the good in ANY situation will allow you to be open to different ways to achieve your goal. Discovering the benefits of aqua running firsthand inspired me to not only incorporate it into my own training and recovery plans but to teach it to others! As a certified running coach, this is the technique I began using to help older and disabled "athletes." I've now had "runners" in their seventies and eighties be able to experience the joy of running again by doing it in the water!!!! 

• Because life happens! With so many things out of our control, choosing to look for the good in ALL situations gives us the willingness to change our goals. By changing my goal from running the race as fast as I could to merely finishing it, I made a new friend and made an impact on my teenage son who met me at the finish line with a huge hug and said, "I'm so proud of you Mom. You didn't give up." 

• Because every time you learn to see the potential in a test or trial, you become stronger and smarter. You learn how to better cope with the twists and turns of life while remaining joyful and keeping a smile on your face. 

And on a final note, while you may find it hard to keep a joyful attitude at first, remember this... running is a gift. It is not something we are entitled to do but are allowed to do by God's grace. So if you have the ability to run or walk today, be grateful for each mile no matter how slow or fast it may be. And don't forget to smile while you're doing it! You'll not only change your attitude for the better but you'll spread the joy to those around you. 😊

Happy Running!!!

Proverbs 17:22

Alive & Breathing - Matt Maher

The comfort only a mother can give

"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.'" Isaiah 66:13 NIV

In an article recently published by Outside, Martin Huber wrote, "In one of the morbid ironies of our present moment, keeping up with the coronavirus news cycle sometimes feels like a health risk in itself. Fortunately, runners in the United States can still find temporary solace in their hobby. Even in states like California, where a “shelter-in-place” order has been in effect since March 19, residents are still officially allowed to exercise outside. But if recent events have taught us anything, it’s that we shouldn’t take even our most basic freedoms for granted." That's because running outside is completely prohibited in many other cities throughout the world right now, something that could most definitely happen in the United States. So much for that temporary solace right? 

And you know, while getting out for a run can definitely bring you and me some temporary comfort, that solace soon fades the moment we turn on the news. What the world really needs is a permanent source of comfort. And that source, the Bible tells us, is in the arms of the Father. Ironically though, the Father didn't say He would comfort us the way a dad would but said, "as a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you." Do you understand how tender, intimate and loving that is my friend? I mean, a mother's arms are so welcoming and warm that children sleep peacefully there oblivious to any harm that could come to them. Could any greater comfort be found anywhere?

So if you're feeling anxious today my friend, by all means go for a run. But when you find that comfort fading, run into the Father's arms where you will experience a lasting comfort unlike anything you have ever experienced in your life. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the timely reminder that permanent and true comfort can only be found in You. Like a mother who is compassionate by instinct, not wanting her child to experience pain, fear or worry, You are to us. Thank You for loving us in this most gentle and passionate way Lord. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Run to the Father - Cody Carnes

The distractions are gone

"Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!'" Matthew 21:8-9 ESV

For as long as I can remember Christmas morning has always been my favorite time to run. You see, no matter where my family and I happened to be in any given year so far - whether in the city or in the country - Christmas has always been the one day when the sounds of the world were quieted so that the sounds of God's creation could be heard... for a few precious hours anyway. So as I set out on my run early yesterday morning, intent on preparing my heart for Palm Sunday and the online worship that I would take part in later, my heart smiled. Just like on Christmas morning, there was no noise anywhere! Just the sounds of all creation singing His praises.... praises that were also sung by the people the day Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem while the people shouted, “‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

And you know, in a bit of irony, for as long as I can recall, the weeks leading up to Easter have always been filled with the noises of the world too. Sounds of kids hunting for eggs, trips to the mall for new clothes or pictures with the Easter 'bunny', and excursions to the store to gather things to fill the holiday baskets or prepare the holiday meal. In fact, there is normally so much noise and confusion surrounding this holiday that a study by the Barna Group revealed that few Americans even know Easter's true meaning which is the story at the very heart of Christianity.

So during this unprecedented time in history when the world has been forced to slow down, let us be still and listen for the voice of God as we consider His timing. I mean, just think about it friends. In one week, you and I will be celebrating the true meaning of Easter - the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ - without any of the noise or distractions we once had to take away from worshiping the Savior. And doesn’t the thought of that make your heart smile too?

Heavenly Father, your timing is always perfect and for that we thank You. We know You are always working things out for our good and for your glory. At this time that we prepare our hearts to celebrate the death and resurrection of your Son that brought us the forgiveness of sins and eternal life, bring us into a renewed relationship with you Lord. And please give us the opportunities and boldness to share the true meaning of Easter with the lost. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. . 

Happy Running!!!

Hosanna in the highest

Turn back to God

"'You shall have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3 NIV

The New York Times recently published an article subtitled, "With gyms and pools closed and sports leagues shut down, a miniboom is emerging in running, a natural for social distancing." The writer went on to say, "With little else to do - no spinning classes, lap swim hours, boot camps or barre - a lot of people are turning to (or getting back to) running. It’s the perfect sport for a pandemic. All you need is a pair of shoes and a six-foot buffer from the next person." Thankfully, in the midst of this pandemic, I have seen another trend emerging, one that is much greater than running... people turning to (or getting back to) God. But it's really no surprise that it took something this drastic to cause this to happen. I mean with all the things people find to fill their lives with, the majority forgot about the most important thing in life... God. 

And you know, this isn't something new. Thousand of years ago, the Israelites worshiped many gods including the one true God. But the Lord made it clear that He was not to be included in the worship of other gods but was to be the only God they worshipped. In fact, God wanted it to be so clear that He made the first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me." And while you may say, "Well I don't worship any other gods," consider this my friend. Money, fame, work, possessions, hobbies, sporting events, social gatherings, social media and relationships become our gods when we put them before the Lord and especially when we place our identity in them. 

So while the COVID-19 pandemic is without a doubt bringing with it despair and death, it’s also stripping away the many gods of this world - which is leading to millions upon millions of renewed and restored relationships with the one true God. And for that, may you and I praise the God who always brings good out of bad situations as we pray for those affected by it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being so patient with us. Like a parent who has tried to get our attention over and over, You did not punish us as we deserved for ignoring You. Lord if there are any gods that have come between us, please reveal them to us that we might turn away from them to have a restored and right relationship with You. And Father, we pray that millions of lost people would seek You and find You as a result of this virus. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Give us clean hands - Shane and Shane

Hope is a powerful thing

"We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone." Psalm 33:20-22 NLT

As I was finishing up my morning run yesterday, I felt compelled to do a few extra laps in the cemetery behind the office where I work. And just as I finished up and slowed down to a walk, my eyes locked onto a headstone I had never taken the time to read despite the countless times I had passed it. "Each of us hopes to join you at last. On the beautiful heavenly shore" it read. "Oh my," I whispered out loud as I began to cry. As the rest of the inscription noted, Charles C., son of F.C. and Eva Gordon, was laid to rest on December 6, 1915 at the tender age of 21. And yet his parents were confident that they would see him again. What hope indeed that must have brought them! Can you imagine? 

And you know, hope is a powerful thing. It has the power to strengthen and inspire a believer to hold on in the midst of tragedy and the hardest test and trial and hope has the power to preserve joy in the presence of loss and pain. How? Because when you and I "put our hope in the Lord, He is our help and our shield." When we trust in his holy Name, His "unfailing love" surrounds us as and we are reminded that the hurts and heartaches of this world are only temporary. Oh I am so grateful for the hope we can find in Jesus Christ! Aren't you? 

So let me ask you this my friend... when was the last time you shared the reason for this hope? When was the last time you told someone about a Savior who can give them peace in the midst of pandemonium and hope in a world full of hopelessness? There's no better time than today. Won't you share the Good News? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the hope of eternal life through the death of your Son on the cross. Knowing what a priceless gift that is, help us to be bold in sharing the message of Salvation with others that they too might have this hope... a hope that is so desperately needed right now as people search for peace amidst the panic the pandemic of COVID-19 is bringing to our world. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Hope in front of me - Danny Gokey