The Truth never changes

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" Isaiah 5:20 KJV

On December 19, florida today issued a news story about a runner who went missing during an ultra marathon in Florida. Titusville police searched the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary on Sunday for a missing runner who was last seen Saturday night at the finish line of the Ancient Oaks 100-Mile Endurance Run. Earl Blewett, 57, was last seen at the finish line at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Titusville police said in a press release." Pretty crazy right? Earl seemed to have vanished into thin air. Thankfully, though, Titusville police continued to search for him and issued this report yesterday, "A runner who went missing Saturday night during a 100-mile endurance run in the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary has been found this morning — disoriented but alive, Titusville police spokesperson Amy Matthews said." 

And you know, being disoriented or confused is something that defines many churches today. I mean you and I don't have to look very hard or very far to see how culture has infiltrated the walls of God's house leading prominent church leaders and Christians of all denominations to compromise the Truth laid out in the Bible by calling "evil good and good evil." You see, rather than standing firm on the core principles laid out in the Word (principles that do not change with time) they have embraced and even promoted worldly beliefs and narratives that are directly contrary to what the Word says, beliefs such as abortion isn't a sin. By doing this, they have "put darkness for light and light for darkness... bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." Of these churches and people, the prophet Isaiah said, "Woe unto them..." which was a divine pronouncement of judgment from God. 

So knowing that we too will be judged harshly for calling "evil good, and good evil," may we strive to not only know what the Word says but to do what the Word says... without the slightest compromise or fear of how the world will treat us for doing so. After all, in the end God will have the final say. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we must stand firm on your Truth if we are to avoid calling good evil and evil good as so many in the world are doing right now. Lord, give us a passion to not only study the Word but to act on it without any fear of ridicule, mocking or derision. Give us a heart that speaks Truth no matter the consequences. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!! 

The most monumental transformation

"It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed." 1 Corinthians 15:52 NLT

For their Feel Good Friday segment aired December 17, WOOD TV 8 out of Grand Rapids, Michigan aired a story titled, "New runner completes year of transformation with 1st marathon finish." This year has been one of transformation for Liz Fanco. A West Michigan mother of eight, she has struggled with her weight for most of her adult life. But this year, thanks to her commitment to her own well-being, and help from a trainer and dietician, she has lost more than 100 pounds and crossed some major milestones. This summer, she finished her first triathlon and ran in the Grand Rapids Half Marathon. Now, she’s completed her first full marathon; doing it in style in New York City. “To complete the marathon itself, to cross that finish line after 11 months of building up to that moment was incredibly monumental,” she said.

And you know, while Liz’s monumental transformation took nearly a year, the Bible tells us about a transformation of epic proportion that "will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown." That means in about one tenth of a second, "those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed." Is that amazing or what? Think about it... in an instant too small to even comprehend, God's eternal plan will come to pass as He gathers all His people (both dead and on the earth) to meet Jesus in the air. In a moment, all those who chose to follow Christ will receive their resurrection bodies. Can you think of any change more monumental than that? 

So if you're ready and anxious for the sound of that last trumpet, consider yourself blessed my friend... you know where you'll be spending eternity. But remember that there are thousands of people in our world that have not yet made the decision to follow Christ and will have no more time to choose when Jesus returns. Let us make it our mission then to tell them the Good News. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You are coming back soon so that we might be ready for that last trumpet sound and be found helping others to be ready too. Give us a boldness and urgency to share the Good News with the world and to be Your hands and feet so that none should perish as a result of our indifference or indolence. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

We are ambassadors for Christ

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV

To say I was flattered when Jennie from Midwest Endurance Race Company announced my Ambassadorship via social media to promote their inaugural Mile 0 Flint Hills Trail Race yesterday would be an understatement. "We would like to welcome Melissa Martinez as our 50k Ambassador! I first met her at my very first ultra event a few years ago. She is an inspiration to all she encounters. You can follow her on her blog at thejoyfilledrunner.blogspot.com. Melissa is an ultra runner, running coach, blogger and someone who is passionate about helping others reach their finish line!!! We are honored to have you!" To understand why this was such an honor, consider that the definition of an ambassador is a person who acts as a representative or promoter of a specified activity or entity. Which means that such entity would, after careful consideration, choose the person that they think would best promote, represent, speak for, and act on their behalf. See now why it's quite an honor?

 

And you know, when it comes to being an ambassador, the Bible tells us that every believer is a representative of Jesus Christ tasked with the ministry of reconciling others to God in the same way that Christ reconciled us to Himself. "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us." Which means that we, on behalf of Christ, must implore the lost to be "reconciled to God." Something we do with our lips and with our lives. You see, you and I are called to promote, represent, speak for and act on behalf of the One that we serve--a task that we should take very seriously and a position we should feel honored to hold. 

So knowing that we are "ambassadors for Christ," let us live worthy of the prestigious title by speaking and acting in ways that will not only implore the lost to "be reconciled to God" but will bring honor and glory to His Name. This won't be an easy job, I can assure you, since it requires paying utmost attention to the way we walk and talk, but it will be worth it when we see the lost come to know Jesus.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are Your ambassadors everywhere we go. Help us to truly understand what this means so that we might represent You in ways that will lead the lost to the foot of the Cross and bring You glory. Give us the strength, wisdom, discernment and courage to boldly serve You as we are called and to unashamedly witness to those in need of hearing the Good News. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!! 

The things we take for granted

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17 NIV

As I turned the corner to head down to the park on my run early yesterday morning, I slowed down to a walk to read the sticker on the back of a truck parked along the way. "Someone else is praying for the things you take for granted," it read. "Oh my," I thought to myself. "Isn't that the truth?" And then I began to meditate on the many things I took for granted... electricity, clean water, a full refrigerator, two amazing children, parents that are still alive, friends that I consider family, a roof over my head, a job that I love, the ability to run, dirt roads to run on, the freedom to worship my Savior, and the list went on and on. "So many people are indeed praying for the things you have Melissa... the things you take for granted" I said silently as I tried in vain to hold back tears. Sadly though, I know I'm not alone. If the definition of taking something or someone for granted is failing to properly appreciate it or them, especially as a result of overfamiliarity, I would bet that the majority of people in the world admit to taking "things" for granted.

And you know, the Bible is very clear that every good and perfect "thing" that you and I possess "is from above" which means when you and I take those things we have for granted, we take God for granted. That's not a very nice thought is it? But think about it.... when you and I fail to thank God for His daily provision we develop an "overfamiliarity" that leads us to not only take those provisions for granted but to develop an entitlement mentality. So how can we avoid taking God's blessings for granted? By taking some time before we start each and every day to thank God for all that He has given us. Then throughout our day, pausing to remember all of God's blessings. You see, when we thank God for what He has given us and look back on all that He has done, we can't help but stay focused on His goodness and grace.

So let us be ever-mindful to remember that every "good and perfect gift" is an undeserved blessing that we should never take for granted my friends. Something we can only do when we keep praise and gratitude on our lips and thanksgiving in our hearts. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us when we didn't love you and for granting us so many blessings that we don't deserve. Lord help us to understand just how good and generous You are so that we would not ever take the gifts you give us for granted. Help us to be thankful for even the smallest of things so that we wouldn't fail to be thankful for the big things as well. Help us to live a life of perpetual praise and thanksgiving. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION-Weird things runners do

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 I hope will have you laughing. Why? Because, if you're like most people right now, you probably need a good laugh amidst the craziness of this changing world and the pressures of making this Christmas the best it can be. So let’s talk about some of the strange things that only runners do (like run races every December in a Santa suit) and what free, or super-cheap and unusual Christmas presents you might get them this year. Tis the season for giving right? So here we go with the top ten list of.....

Weird Things Runners Do… That Normal Humans Don’t (and things we can give them without spending more than $10)

1. Save every bib from every race. Literally. Why? No one knows. But if you have a runner in your life that does this, you might want to give them one of your old running shoe boxes to put them in. Okay, so if that isn't festive since it's obviously free, make them a race bib folder using a hard plastic binder and clear plastic sheet protectors. And of course you'll want to display their Bass Pro Fitness Series ones in the front right? 

2. Hoard tech wear. Runners love free stuff and actually think their race shirt or hoodie was free with their entry. Hello... the price was high because your active wear was included in your fee. But I digress... this is the reason so many of us end up needing a separate dresser just for our race gear that we can’t part with. So here we go... time for a bigger box. Think about the one you got that once contained the new TV you purchased to watch Chariots of Fire and Forrest Gump. Yep give them this box for their massive active wear collection. But if you want to be nice and up the ante, think about clear plastic tubs that they can use to store and stack. And while this might cause them to hoard the items even more, that's a discussion for a New Year's Resolution. 

3. Hoard worn-through shoes. There’s something about running shoes. You know they’re worn through and you won’t ever wear them again because you know you’d be risking injury. But you can’t seem to let go. And so they sit in the closet and serve no purpose other than to look like they should be worn again. Maybe to mow the lawn in. RIP shoes. Christmas gift? An even bigger box! Consider giving that special runner in your life the box that new refrigerator you purchased came in... you know the one you bought to hold all of your prepped meals and boiled eggs? Seriously though, this is a great time to go through them and donate them to organizations that can get them on the feet of people who would consider themselves blessed to receive them. 

4. Wear trash bags before or during a race. Or we go to Target or Wal-Mart and search clearance racks for anything warm and less than $5. Goodwill, too. Sometimes even our spouse’s closet for a nasty old sweatshirt from grade school. This one is simple... give the runner in your life colored trash bags. Yes they make them and they will make the recipient feel super special that you went through the trouble to help them stand out in a crowd.

 5. Wake up at crazy times. Runners will wake up at what others consider the middle of the night in order to get in their long run before work. It is not unheard of to wake up at 3:00 in the morning to get to a race, beat the heat, or simply “get it done.” For this runner in your life? They just need your support. Face it, if they're disciplined enough to get up that early, they can fend for themselves and probably don't need anything besides therapy. 

6. Hoard mileage stickers. While normal people have little stick family pictures or political candidates on their bumpers, runners have little signs that say RUN, 50, 26.2 or 13.1! It’s another sign of that special club they belong to. And while they may not need any more stickers, get them a few anyway. You can order them online or pick some up this November at the 2022 Bass Pro Marathon/Dogwood Canyon expo. Speaking of that, this is a great time to gift that special runner in your life with an early bird discounted entry to the race of their choice. Nothing says "tis the season" like a race entry. 

7. Monitor their urine. Three words... big water bottle. Or to save money for your next entry fee, give that special runner in your life a gallon of water and write the words (with a permanent marker because you spare no expense) "REUSABLE....FILL AGAIN WHEN EMPTY." Runners like their urine to be a pale yellow which requires a lot of hydration and this will not only give them a jump start but remind them to start the process all over when the jug is dry.

  
8. Consider toenail loss something to be proud of. Because it indicates how hard we train and what we give up for our sport. This also includes blisters and callouses, and, of course, black toenails. Here we go with the box thing again. This is entirely too easy right?? Simply give them the box from the protein bars you just finished off for them to store their lost toenails in. For an added bonus to show you care, add a red bow. For real... there's nothing more to say on this one. 

 9. Love and hoard snacks!! Runners love to stash them everywhere right? Ziplocs this time!! Cheap and easy right? Does this not just scream, "I love you and I care about you??" Consider that runners are constantly on the run and you might want to throw in a small lunchbox and some healthy snacks that they can eat on the go as well for when they don't have time to pack their own. They'll thank you for it.   

10. Runners love talking about running! This one is the best gift ever... make yourself available. Not to get sappy but giving the gift of friendship at Christmas is priceless. This is a time when normally happy people might be depressed. It's the happiest season of all for sure but not always for all. So stay in touch with your friends and even your neighbors, make time for some group and one-on-one runs and remind the people you love that you love them and that you're there for them. Give the gift of your time and you'll reap the rewards for years to come. 

So there you have it friends. Further proof that runners are a very strange group of individuals. But as strange as we are, I'm sure you'll agree with me that runners are the funnest and most giving group of people you'll ever meet. So give of yourself this Christmas season. Enjoy the people in your life more than the presents. After all, that's what's most important. 

Happy Running!!!

Do it all for the glory of God

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV

In a story titled, "2021 Rock ‘n’ Roll running series draws over 18,000 people to downtown San Antonio," published recently, the writer said each runner had a reason for their race on Sunday, which especially holds true for runner Neil Bendesky. “I have never run an event like this before. I mean I couldn’t even go around the block in 2015, so now, six years later, I’ve gotten better. I’ve overcome that heart attack -- I’ve done 14 half marathons,” said Bendesky. Three Mexican runners finished at the top of the half marathon. “I feel very happy to be here in San Antonio. Very hilly course, but this is a test for us in preparation for the Houston Marathon in like six weeks,” said J.A.E. Perez. Runner Alex Danels finished first in Saturday’s 5k. He says taking the victory is a blessing after he suffered a collapsed lung just last year. “I had to spend about three weeks in the hospital and it was then I decided I’m going to come back home to shut it down for a little bit, try to recover, and out of nowhere running seemed to come back to me. I gradually got back in shape and here I am winning the Rock and Roll 5k,” said Danels.

And you know, as this story shows, there are a variety of reasons that people choose to participate in races. I know I've personally heard lots of inspiring stories in my many years of running describing runners' motives for stepping up to the start line.  And while we, as Christian runners, might also have different reasons why we run distances from the 5k to the marathon, our main reason for doing anything should be "for the glory of God." You see, as Paul clearly stated, "whatever" you and I do should be done to bring honor to His Name. That means living for Him each and every day, laying aside our wants for the good of others, and doing all things without compromise with the intent of winning people to the gospel. 

So in a world where we are commended for winning and doing whatever it takes to come in first, let us be set apart as people who define success as serving Jesus Christ obediently and to the best of our ability. Let us "do it all for the glory of God." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that nothing apart from what we do for You in this world will last. Lord help us to be Kingdom-minded and fixated on bringing You glory rather than ourselves. Help us to follow the example of Paul who did everything for the glory of God. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

You are of great value

"What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31

In a story published by BBC News Friday titled, “Jersey runner completes 100-mile challenge in memory of step dad," it was reported that runner Steph Henwood-Darts, who won the Jersey Marathon earlier this year, ran 4.2 miles (6.8 km) every hour for 24 hours. She raised money for The Shelter Trust, who helped her step father, Pete Ollivier, when he was homeless, and Jersey Hospice Care, who cared for him when he had cancer. Ms Henwood-Darts said Mr Ollivier, who died in October, was a "great man". She started the challenge at 10:00 GMT on Friday, doing loops of the running track at Les Quennevais. Ms Henwood-Darts, who was three years old when Mr Ollivier became her step father, said: "My memories of him in my younger years are of fun and laughter, lots of football, holidays and being carried up to bed every night by this great man.

And you know, when it comes to memories of our dads, many of us would admit that the recollections are depressing, disheartening, painful or even nonexistent for those whose fathers abandoned them. This is something that, no doubt, might have greatly affected your self esteem and the way you view yourself. But the truth of your worth is this... your Heavenly Father knows everything about you but loves you anyway. So much so that He not only numbered the individual hairs on your head but sent His one and only Son to deliver the message that “you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Do you get that? No matter what value your earthly father placed on you, your Heavenly Father declared you worthy of the ultimate sacrifice. He loves you that much!

So let me ask you something today. When you look in the mirror what do you see? If it’s a person of little or no worth, look again and remember this my friend... you are more valuable to your Heavenly Father than a whole flock of sparrows. Does that make you smile or what?

Heavenly Father, we love You and we thank You for being a perfect Father who knows everything about us but loves us anyway. Thank you for seeing us as worthy of your unfailing love and ultimate sacrifice despite our sins and our shortcomings. Please remind us of our value in your eyes, especially when the enemy calls us worthless or brings up memories that might be painful. Remind us that we are loved Jesus and help us to walk as children of the King. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!